Sale, Story and 3 other big Sox questions
This story was excerpted from Ian Browne’s Red Sox Beat e-newsletter. To learn the complete e-newsletter, click on right here. And subscribe to get it frequently in your inbox.
It has been a busy begin to the offseason for Boston, however there’s nonetheless extra to do. Here are 5 questions the Red Sox are hoping to reply earlier than or throughout Spring Training.
There are two methods of this. Sale’s latest historical past of accidents gives little motive to suppose he could be counted on to carry up subsequent season. Then, there’s the extra optimistic view: Sale is because of lastly have a considerably wholesome season.
If there was good news from 2022, it’s that Sale didn’t have any arm points. Instead, he had a sequence of fluke accidents. First, the fractured rib cage that occurred in the course of the lockout, when Boston’s coaching workers was unable to watch his workload. Second, the searing line drive he took off his left pinkie finger in his second begin of the season, the day earlier than the All-Star break. And lastly, the premature bike accident that occurred on the identical day Sale had a profitable throwing session in hopes of getting back from the damaged finger.
There’s obtained to be some luck left someplace for the lanky lefty, proper? Assuming Sale is wholesome and stays that approach, it will likely be fascinating to see what sort of workload the Red Sox can count on from him given his inactivity over the previous three seasons. If Sale is wholesome for, say, 150 innings, it may utterly change the dynamic of Boston’s rotation.
Can Story maintain down shortstop?
When the Red Sox signed Trevor Story to a six-year, $140 million contract in March 2022, many individuals assumed he was the insurance coverage coverage if the membership wasn’t capable of re-sign Xander Bogaerts. Well, that’s precisely what has occurred. And now that Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson have additionally discovered new properties by way of free company, Story looks as if the main candidate to start out at quick for the Sox on Opening Day.
Is Story’s proper elbow robust sufficient to permit him to play shortstop day by day? In 2021, Story’s ultimate yr with the Rockies, he performed by way of proper elbow irritation and the rate on his throws took a noticeable dip. He additionally had low velo readings as a second baseman for Boston final season. However, the Red Sox stay assured his superior athleticism will make up for any lack of arm power.
“It’s certainly something we’ve talked about, something we’re aware of. Trevor’s aware of it,” chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom stated of the potential of Story enjoying quick. “It’s clearly not a secret. I’d say a few issues. One, we’re optimistic that wherever he is enjoying, that we’ll be in a greater place with him. Just now having constructed that relationship, that belief with him, with the ability to take a complete offseason to get in entrance of this.
“But two, his range is just so incredible. We saw, he can make throws on the run. When he has to put a little something on the ball, he can. I just think wherever we put him, he’s gonna get to so many balls that it’ll all play. You can only throw a guy out if you get to the baseball first, and he’s as good at that as anybody.”
How will Yoshida deal with leadoff?
While the overall expectation when the Red Sox signed Masataka Yoshida was that he could be a super leadoff hitter in Boston, the left-handed hitter didn’t sound completely enthused in regards to the risk solely as a result of he didn’t bat first throughout his profession in Japan.
If Yoshida can develop confidence in his capacity to steer off and carry out nicely in that position, it may have a big effect on Boston’s 2023 lineup. Keep in thoughts that this can be a staff that hasn’t had a constant leadoff hitter since Mookie Betts in ’19. Yoshida’s prime ability is getting on base. That is what the Red Sox want greater than something to get their offense jump-started.
Is Casas able to play day by day?
While the one factor Triston Casas demonstrated in his late-season cameo was a sophisticated hitting strategy, his outcomes had been inconsistent. With Eric Hosmer getting designated for project, the Red Sox have made it clear they imagine Casas could be the on a regular basis first baseman. Defensively, he proved he’s greater than as much as the duty, which was considerably shocking given his large body. At the plate, the Red Sox will want him to be a constant presence, notably in opposition to right-handed pitching. Though Hosmer is gone, Justin Turner might be an insurance coverage coverage at first base if Casas falters.
Who fills out the beginning rotation?
At this level, the rotation consists of Sale, Nick Pivetta, Garrett Whitlock, James Paxton and Tanner Houck. However, the Red Sox proceed to say they’re looking for one other starter on the free agent or commerce market.
The probability for a reunion with Nathan Eovaldi ended on Tuesday, when the right-hander agreed to a take care of the Rangers. But what about Michael Wacha? The righty slot in completely with Boston in 2022 and had his greatest season in years. Some had been stunned the Sox didn’t make him a qualifying provide. If Boston does add one other starter, it may result in Houck pitching within the bullpen, which wouldn’t be a nasty factor.
