2024 Red Sox outlook: Barring the unexpected, last place again!
The Boston Red Sox have left their spring training camp in Fort Myers, Fla. without adding any players of note such as pitcher Jordan Montgomery, and the outlook for the season is as low as it's been in years.
With the only notable off-season addition, pitcher Lucas Giolito, out for the season thanks to elbow surgery (not Tommy John), the pitching rotation is underwhelming. Young pitcher Brayan Bello will pitch Opening Day (Opening Night, 10:10 p.m. in Boston) on Thursday, March 28 in Seattle, followed by more mediocre pitchers: Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck. Except for Bello, the rest of the rotation consists of former relief pitchers, whom many beat writers and Sox gurus consider to be better relievers than starters.
The lineup remains underwhelming, barring any shocking performances from the likes of rookie centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela. Second-year player, first baseman Triston Casas. and the team's only name player, third baseman Rafael Devers, need to have breakout years with more than 100 RBIs, 30-plus homers and 320 batting averages for the Sox to have any legitimate offense.
In addition, shortstop Trevor Story --- while his fielding ability will improve the team's overall defense, has yet to hit as he was expected to when he signed before the 2022 season. The Sox had better hope he's free of the injuries that kept him off the field for much of the time the last couple of years.
The rest of the lineup, with the possible exception of speedster Jarren Duran, who had a very good year before suffering a season-ending injury in August, is underwhelming. New second baseman Vaughn Grissom, acquired from the Braves for the Chris Sale, will be on the shelf with injuries until at least late April, but the way Red Sox injuries go, likely until Mother's Day --- at least.
Meanwhile, by the time the Sox returrn home for the Fenway Park opener against the Orioles on Tuesday, April 9, the Sox could be 5-5 at best, but also could be 3-7. (In 2019, when they started on the West Coast, they went 3-8.)
As far as the American League East goes, it's hard to see how this team finishes higher than fourth, but likely last. Here's my AL East preview:
1. Orioles
2. Yankees
3. Blue Jays
4. Rays
5. Red Sox
Depending on the strength of the rest of the league, the O's, Yanks and Jays or Rays could all make the playoffs, but the Sox will be lucky to go 81-81.
Sorry. Wish I had a more positive prediction for this team.
But enjoy all those expensive concessions at the most expensive Major League ballpark while you watch the next generation of players.
Wait 'till next year ...
With the only notable off-season addition, pitcher Lucas Giolito, out for the season thanks to elbow surgery (not Tommy John), the pitching rotation is underwhelming. Young pitcher Brayan Bello will pitch Opening Day (Opening Night, 10:10 p.m. in Boston) on Thursday, March 28 in Seattle, followed by more mediocre pitchers: Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck. Except for Bello, the rest of the rotation consists of former relief pitchers, whom many beat writers and Sox gurus consider to be better relievers than starters.
The lineup remains underwhelming, barring any shocking performances from the likes of rookie centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela. Second-year player, first baseman Triston Casas. and the team's only name player, third baseman Rafael Devers, need to have breakout years with more than 100 RBIs, 30-plus homers and 320 batting averages for the Sox to have any legitimate offense.
In addition, shortstop Trevor Story --- while his fielding ability will improve the team's overall defense, has yet to hit as he was expected to when he signed before the 2022 season. The Sox had better hope he's free of the injuries that kept him off the field for much of the time the last couple of years.
The rest of the lineup, with the possible exception of speedster Jarren Duran, who had a very good year before suffering a season-ending injury in August, is underwhelming. New second baseman Vaughn Grissom, acquired from the Braves for the Chris Sale, will be on the shelf with injuries until at least late April, but the way Red Sox injuries go, likely until Mother's Day --- at least.
Meanwhile, by the time the Sox returrn home for the Fenway Park opener against the Orioles on Tuesday, April 9, the Sox could be 5-5 at best, but also could be 3-7. (In 2019, when they started on the West Coast, they went 3-8.)
As far as the American League East goes, it's hard to see how this team finishes higher than fourth, but likely last. Here's my AL East preview:
1. Orioles
2. Yankees
3. Blue Jays
4. Rays
5. Red Sox
Depending on the strength of the rest of the league, the O's, Yanks and Jays or Rays could all make the playoffs, but the Sox will be lucky to go 81-81.
Sorry. Wish I had a more positive prediction for this team.
But enjoy all those expensive concessions at the most expensive Major League ballpark while you watch the next generation of players.
Wait 'till next year ...
Hope springs eternal! — Bill S
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