With opening day next week, it is obvious that the Sox need some “new blood”. During the past two non-playoff seasons, the beloved squad that won World Series in 2004 and 2007 has disappeared. Its place has been taken by a group somewhat reminiscent of the notorious Sox teams of the past- an underachieving, uncaring group more interested in statistics, paychecks, food, and beer than winning. Many players were reportedly out of shape, paid little attention to coaches, and even (possibly) leaked stories to the press about their manager’s personal life.
It has been four years since any Sox player exploded on the scene and made an impact-Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz in 08. Adrian Gonzales was signed as a free agent and had a fine season in 2011, but he is quiet and sometimes seems invisible.
It is to the team’s credit that they did not stand pat. They brought in Ben Cherington as GM and Bobby Valentine-a total opposite of Terry Francona-to run the team. No one can deny that there are many question marks going into this season, including Cherington and Valentine’s relationship.
In responding to these questions, the Sox would be wise to go with three rookies.. Catching prospect Ryan Lavarnway has had a fine spring, with a .455 average. He has not shown great power, but that may come. Though his fielding has been suspect, he has already thrown out two baserunners, has only one passed ball, and has yet to commit an error. Contrast that with holdover Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s .211 mark. At shortstop, Jose Iglesias, despite a .174 average, should be the starter. Mike Aviles is around and hitting well, but his fielding is subpar and I’m tired of the team signing Edgar Renteria’s and Julio Lugo’s and seeing them fail. The Sox other infielders are all strong hitters and could make up for Igliesias’ plate problems, and Iglesias might be the best fielding Boston shortstop since Nomar. The third newcomer I’d like to see is Felix Doubront as fourth starter. He has started three games, allowed one homer, walked 6 and fanned 10 with a 2.70 ERA. Maybe he’s finally ready.
Going with youth is a risk, but Sox fans should know it may be time to rebuild a bit. The division is a tough one, and the team may not make the postseason this year. However, they went with vets in 10 and 11 and failed both times just the same.
One more thing. Despite what Nick Cafardo says, Daniel Bard should go back to the bullpen. The experiment has not worked. If you look up the last time Bard pitched as a starter in 2007 at Greenville and Lancaster in the minors, he posted a 7.05 ERA, similar to the one he has now in spring training. Alfredo Aceves and Aaron Cook could be the fifth starter, but again the Sox could do some experimenting.
The team still has a lot of talent. Better to have some young, hungry players for a change.
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