Following is a ‘cut and paste’ of the big “ifs” in the latest “Mazz” piece . . . or was it Ryan? Whoever, he predicted success “if” the following happens”. It’s a good piece, and gave the Sox high grades for potential, and acknowledges these “ifs” are looking good right now. These “ifs” have plagued RSN’s and the media’s collective psyche since January. Although anything can happen, and it is foolish not to be fully aware of possibilities, in these days of modern medicine, sports rehab, physical fitness . . . and on this team of extraordinary depth . . . these “ifs” are more sound than fury. My comments follow the author’s “if” statements:
. . . “if David Ortiz can regain his form” . . .
Looking good. He is hitting bombs, is medically cleared, and says he feels good, as he heads to the WBC. This will also deepen the Sox, as Tito can look at potential DH’s: Rocco?, Lars?, Bailey?, Carter? Lowell?
. . . “if Mike Lowell is healthy” . . .
The docs say he is ahead of schedule. He is hitting, running, fielding, throwing, albeit not at game level, because rehab is a “capacity building” process of working up to full strength. In the meantime, Angel Chavez is showing bat and leather so short term, even if Mike isn’t ready until mid-April, Lowrie can stay at SS.
. . . “if Jason Varitek can rebound” . . .
Rebound is too strong a word, but looks like he is already getting there. .240/15 wouldn’t exactly be a rebound, but it’s all we need from the captain. In the meantime, the pitching, catching, and coaching staffs are verbally glad that the Captain is back.
. . . “if J.D. Drew can stay on the field” . . .
If he had said “if J.D.” can stay productive when on the field, this would be a no brainer. Would you take 125G with 20HR, .900? He played 113G last year badly injured, and only greater injury would make him play less this year.
. . . “if a productive starting shortstop emerges” . . .
The Sox have their productive starting SS in Jed Lowrie. His wrist is nearly healed, and he is already showing his clutch and RBI skills, and good glove. Some predict Lugo will play at his Tampa levels, which would render this “if” doubly moot.
. . . “if Jacoby Ellsbury can be more consistent” . . .
OK. He is technically a sophomore, though a bright Firebrand commenter said he had his sophomore slump last year. James projects .300+. Unless he totally regresses, and he is showing no signs of that in ST, there is no big “if” here because even if he is streaky, if he hits .280 again, with 10HR, 100R, .360OBP, 50SB and remains a gold glove candidate in CF, that’s a good year.
. . . “if Rocco Baldelli can really help” . . .
There is no “if” here. He’s our 4th/5th OF, and is already out there “really helping”, flashing leather and hitting the ball hard and well. All medical reports are good. Like Lester, he is moving beyond this disease. He is already being accepted as J.D.’s stand in.
. . . “if Brad Penny can turn it around” . . .
Reports are excellent. He, Farrell, the Docs, Tito are either playing it very close, or speak the truth when they say he is coming along fast. He appears motivated, ready to prove his value and is fighting for a contract. Does “turn it around” really mean another Ace, All Star game, and 3rd in Cy Young? That’s a big “if” for a #5 starter, so even though an Ace performance could happen with this guy, it isn’t necessary for the Sox to win it all.
. . . “if John Smoltz can hold up” . . .
John in June. His season will be 4 months, plus post-season. He will not be ridden hard. Though, by consensus, he could start in April, he won’t be in a game for 3 more months of rehab. As the 6th SP, this “if” argument only becomes relevant if one of the starting 5 get hurt before June 1. However, this “if”, his “holding up”, is also only relevant “if” none of Buchholz, Bowden or Masterson are able to start. Odds of that?
. . . “then the Red Sox will be a legitimate threat to win another World Series”.
The Sox, therefore, are in fact “a legitiimate threat to win another World Series.” Hold that thought “if” you can, and enjoy it.
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