Red Sox 2017 journey begins today with spring training exhibition
By Chris Embree
After last year’s success, the Boston Red Sox are poised to make another run at the World Series this year.
No one truly knows when baseball season starts. Some say it’s on Opening Day. Others believe it’s when pitchers and catchers report. But today marks the start of competitive play for the Boston Red Sox when they take on Northeastern this afternoon.
It’s the start of a team journey. A journey to be World Series Champions. However, for many, it’s a personal journey.
Today, the journey of redemption starts. Brian Johnson, after dealing with injuries and personal issues over the last two years, starts his journey to redemption. He’s the starting pitcher against Northeastern.
More from Red Sox News
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Why Red Sox fans should be rooting for Carlos Correa’s Mets deal to go through
Pablo Sandoval gets a chance to earn his way into the hearts of Red Sox Nation. A lighter and more in-shape Panda gets starts his journey to redemption.
Then there’s David Price. The $31 million man gets his chance to prove that last season was a fluke. He has a chance to do what Rick Porcello did last year, show that his first year is not reflective as the pitcher he really is.
For Mookie Betts, it’s a journey to be the Most Valuable Player. He showed last year that size doesn’t matter. He showed that you can be an elite player without having been one of the top prospects. Now he has the chance to continue to prove he’s one of the best in the game.
For Dustin Pedroia, it’s a journey to cement his legacy. He’s been one of the best second basemen to wear a Red Sox uniform. Another good season this year could go a long way into his legacy as one of the all-time greatest Red Sox.
For Chris Sale, it’s a journey to be a winner. He’s consistently been one of the best pitchers in the game over the past five or so years. He’s also never had enough talent around him to make the playoffs. Now he has a chance to show what he can do for a winning teams.
For Hanley Ramirez, it’s a journey to be a leader. His troubles on prior teams have been well documented. Last year, he seemed to make strides towards becoming a better teammate. With David Ortiz retired, he has the chance to step up and become one of the guys everyone turns to for leadership (along with Pedroia).
Next: Red Sox lineup vs Northeastern
All the groundballs, bullpen sessions, and batting practice have led to this. The players will take the field for the first time all year, starting a journey that will hopefully end in late October.