Now that the Red Sox have come out guns-blazing in the free-agent market, their pitching situation has changed. No longer must they pin their hopes on youngsters and worry about giving up too much in trades.
With Hanley Ramirez in left field (probably) and Pablo Sandoval at third, they should have an offensive revival. Whether or not they keep Yoenis Cespedes, the outfield looks stronger, especially if Shane Victorino returns to his 2013 form.
Now the team must concentrate on getting one and maybe two hurlers to lead the staff. A return of Jon Lester is still a long-shot, and James Shields or Justin Masterson may not be effective stoppers.
I have always opposed sending a hot prospect like Mookie Betts and some promising pitchers to land a Cole Hamels, but the new acquisitions have changed my mind. Hamels has a no-trade clause, but reportedly would waive that if the Sox picked up his $20 million option.
Hamels’ numbers are similar to Lester’s, despite pitching most of the time in a hitters’ park in Philadelphia. Cespedes might be involved in such a trade, or the Sox could package Betts and some young pitchers. They have to be very careful here, since erratic performers like Rubby De La Rosa or Anthony Renaudo may suddenly blossom. Mookie would potentially be a big loss, but the team may have to pay the price. This also may be the year when Clay Buchholz stops “being Clay”, but I wouldn’t bank on it.
The Sox seem to be abandoning the philosophy that led to a rather flukey 2013 championship. The money is there, and being conservative won’t cut it.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
