Red Sox Predictions: Stuck in the Middle of AL East
The Boston Red Sox will be in third place in the AL East in 2016 season.
The last few seasons haven’t been happy ones for Boston Red Sox fans. Finishing in last place in 2014 and 2015 has not been fun. The journey from worst (2012) to first (2013) was exhilarating for sure, but the return trip to the basement in 2014 and a repeat performance in 2015 was not.
The good news: the 2016 season will not be as bad as the previous two.
The bad news: the 2016 season will not see the Sox back at the top of the division.
Glass is half full
In the offseason the Red Sox added pitcher David Price, who has looked good so far through his first three starts. He has pitched 18 innings, during which he has racked up 27 strike outs. His ERA is 4.50 and WHIP is 1.11. During his career so far he has a 3.11 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Having Price in the rotation will improve the pitching staff without a doubt.
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Eduardo Rodriguez looked decent in the 2015 season (3.85 ERA with 10-6 record) and he could be just as good, if not better, when he comes back from the DL.
The farm system continues to impress. Yoan Moncada, Rafael Devers, and Andrew Benintendi are all doing well with the Salem Red Sox in Class A Advanced. Henry Owens and Sean Coyle are showing signs of greatness, or at least goodness, in Pawtucket (AAA). If there are any injuries in Boston this season there will be some ready and willing replacements. In the seasons to come there could be a bountiful harvest down on the farm.
Glass is half empty
David Price can’t pitch every day and the rest of rotation doesn’t instill one with much confidence. Clay Buchholz tends to land on the DL. Joe Kelly and his 9.35 ERA left Tuesday’s game early with an apparent arm injury. Stephen Wright is already 0-2. Rick Porcello had an ERA of 4.92 last season.
The Baltimore Orioles look like they’re ready to make some waves. They went 7-0 before the Sox handed them their first loss. Buck Showalter and his gang look talented and determined. They’re at the top of the AL East at the moment and could be there for a while.
The Toronto Blue Jays are currently in second place. They have some awesomely hot hitters in their lineup, including but not limited to, Donaldson, Encarnacion, and Bautista. If they can’t keep the second spot it seems likely that the New York Yankees will be right there to take their place. The Evil Empire never sleeps and even though they may be under .500 at the moment they are always a threat.
The thought of being in third place in the AL East may not be a joyous one, but it could be a sign of good things to come in 2017 and beyond.