Spring Training: when Red Sox fans start to get their hopes up for another season of baseball. The 2016 season brings a new crop of things to watch for.
1) Watching John Farrell
The Red Sox skipper is back at the helm after getting treatment for cancer last season. During his absence the Sox turned to Torey Lovullo who lead the team to 28-21 record. Is Farrell coaching for his job this season? It certainly seems that way since Lovullo has a two-year contract with the team as bench manager and could be put back at the helm if the team stumbles under Farrell.
2) Weighing Pablo Sandoval
Let’s be honest: Red Sox fans are passionate and, as a result, have strong opinions. When the team signed Pablo Sandoval to a five-year, $95 million deal there was plenty of excitement. During 2015, however, the third baseman put on weight and had the absolute worst season of his career. His .245 batting average and lowest rank among defensive third basemen did not endear him to fans. Over the offseason John Farrell announced that Sandoval had lost weight. Now the fans will be the judge, no doubt flooding social media with camera phone shots of him during Spring Training. Whether Panda has done what Farrell said he did or not the fans will have fun talking about it.
3) Getting to know the new guys
The Red Sox have added several big names to the roster and given fans plenty to learn. Will David Price “mesh” with the rest of the team given his previous war of words with David Ortiz? The pitcher has said he is ready and willing to but only time will tell. Will Craig Kimbrel continue his dominance? The 27 year old closer has an impressive career 1.63 ERA and is a four-time All Star. He comes to the Sox from the National league but it seems unlikely he will have trouble adjusting to the AL.
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4) Scrutinizing Hanely Ramirez
It’s no secret that Ramirez is an easy target for fan angst. Ramirez did not impress during his first season with the Sox and it was no secret that the team tried to trade him over the offseason. Now they are moving the 32 year old to first base. Will this improve his performance? Will he adjust to the new position?