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
5 of 6
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs fans celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs fans celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

On the road again

Traditionally Red Sox teams went on the road not to win, but to die. Tracing back into championship years the Red Sox won on the road. The victories may not have been excessive, but they were no cream pies. In 2016 you had a remarkable road team. Boston finished 46-35 (.568) on the road and 47-34 (.580) at home.

In 2016 the only downside was a “June Swoon” that had Boston play 10-16 (.385 home/road) before getting the express back on the tracks. Still, Boston managed the best road record in the American League and that is a key to success.

The Red Sox should remain a viable road team based on their pitching, top to bottom hitting, excellent defense and team speed. This is unlike most Red Sox teams that are historically built for Fenway Park, where the lineup is slanted towards power bats and ponderous sluggers who jam up the base paths.

The statistics for the offense and pitching have already been mentioned and they certainly provide the insight that explains that league-best road record. Now if they can only win on the road when it really counts – the playoffs.

Schedule