Red Sox: Five keys to a World Series championship in 2017

Sep 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski looks on during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski looks on during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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The Boston Red Sox will be a favorite to matchup against the Cubs in the 2017 World Series. What are the keys to success? Here are five.

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) salutes the fans after the loss against the Cleveland Indians in game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) salutes the fans after the loss against the Cleveland Indians in game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Keys are wonderful for locking and unlocking doors or just about anything you wish to keep secure. Keys can also be described as a pathway to success or failure – a non-physical entry. The Boston Red Sox certainly have several things that must come together for fans to make October baseball plans.

The team made some rather dramatic moves, including the splashy and controversial trade that may solidify the present and destroy the future. Time will be the determining factor, but the fan base is further energized and it shows with an uptick in ticket sales.

The team itself is certainly one that can generate excitement with a nice blend of youth and veteran experience. Even the departure of a legend has not dampened an optimistic outlook. From my perch in Red Barber’s famed catbird seat, I see a solid team that could approach 100 wins. Of course, a key I omitted was health. That is obvious. A rash of injuries and down it all goes.

So take a gander at the five I have selected.

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