New Season, Same Goal for the Boston Red Sox

On February 17, the Boston Red Sox reported to Fort Myers to start their hunt for a World Series title in 2017.This spring was different. There was no David Ortiz aka “Big Papi”. He retired at the conclusion of the 2016 campaign. Ortiz who had been with the team since 2003 embodied the Red Sox and the spirit of Boston. In his final attempt for a fourth World Series ring, Ortiz led the Sox to the postseason in 2016. However, the Sox were swiftly defeated by the Cleveland Indians in three games.

Boston's outfield celebrates with their "Win, Dance, Repeat" after a win last season (Image 1)

With the loss of star power like David Ortiz, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski knew he had to make some moves to contend for another title in 2017. In the offseason the primary focus for Dombrowski was to upgrade his pitching staff. He made a trade for Milwaukee Brewers reliever Tyler Thornburg to improve the bullpen. He also accomplished a blockbuster trade by bringing in star pitcher Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox. In seven seasons with the White Sox Sale posted an earned run average of 3.00 and won 74 games. In addition he was a five-time all star. Unfortunately Dombrowski had to part with top prospects Michael Kopech and Yoan Moncada to acquire Sale. When asked about the trade, he said, “It is tough. We did trade some good prospects and we've traded some here, but I think that what you're trying to do is win a world championship.”. This transaction appears to put the Red Sox on the path to achieving that goal. The addition of Sale boosts an already stellar pitching rotation which includes ace David Price, Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello, and knuckleballer Steven Wright. In addition the Red Sox signed former Texas first baseman Mitch Moreland, enabling them to move Hanley Ramirez to the DH spot previously occupied by Ortiz. Moreland has been a consistent power hitter during his Ranger career.

The Red Sox will miss David Ortiz's bat and leadership in 2017 and beyond (Image 2)

Along with the additions made in the offseason, the team’s returning players make them an immediate threat. The Sox have the “Killer-B’s” in the outfield, a group considered by many to be the most well-rounded and versatile outfield in the majors. This trio includes Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr., and young star Mookie Betts. Betts is coming off his best season in the majors, batting .318 with 214 hits and 31 home runs and finishing runner-up for the American League MVP. He also led the team with 26 stolen bases. Considered to be one of the best defensive outfielders in the league, he’s not the best on the Red Sox. That distinction belongs to centerfielder Jackie Bradley Jr.. Bradley led the Red Sox with 13 outfield assists and major league baseball with 11 defensive runs saved. He also had a stellar year at the plate hitting 26 home runs and putting together a 29 game hitting streak, tops in the majors. Lastly, left fielder Andrew Benintendi should prove to be an exciting player to watch. Entering his first full season at the major league level, Benintendi has already proven that he deserves to start in left field for opening day. More impressive than his potential on the field is the way he carries himself on and off the field. “Just the presence he has, he's always under control. He controls his at-bats. He's going to be good for a long time,” said Dustin Pedroia of the 22 year old outfielder. Speaking of Pedroia, who is a staple in the Red Sox defense, he will continue to be a constant threat to get on base for his team. The new DH Hanley Ramirez hit 30 home runs with 111 RBIs last season, and the Red Sox are counting on him to fill the void created by Big Papi’s retirement. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts, an all-star and Silver Slugger Award winner in 2016, will also be counted on heavily this season to produce at the top of the lineup.

While the Red Sox have the same goal this year as in past years, to win the World Series, they know it’s going to be more difficult this year without their offensive and inspirational leader Ortiz. “You know that obviously you're losing a leader. We all collectively have to try and pick up where he left off. I think if we know that it's going to take a group effort, it's going to be alright.”, said outfielder Mookie Betts. It’s not just the players and coaches who will miss Ortiz, as he was embraced by all of New England and baseball fans throughout the country. When asked about what will be missed about the former Sox slugger, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski said, “Just his overall presence. David Ortiz, what he brings to an organization and to a ballclub is very unique. Getting away from the ability, because he's such a good player, but his overall presence in our community -- he's iconic, really. When he walks around or walks out on the field, people look at him in a different perspective. So you lose that presence.”

Xander Bogaerts (2) and Mookie Betts form part of Boston's exciting young core (Image 3)

After their painful exit from the postseason in 2016 the Red Sox know they need to do a better job this year. In an interview with MLB analysts, Xander Bogaerts said, “Last year we made it pretty far, but we didn't get the job done in the end. There's just a little extra now that you have to be able to do to get that job done this year.". The Red Sox have the talent to make a run deep into October and achieve their goal. They have a stacked pitching rotation, deep bullpen, and many talented young players who can play defense and put up runs. The Boston Red Sox definitely have the players necessary to take them a World Series, whether they get there or not is the million dollar question. They will be fun to watch as they make their run in 2017.

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