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

By Rick McNair

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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Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell speaks with the media on day two of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell speaks with the media on day two of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Where is Tito? Where is Theo?

The management of the team is certainly open to debate with the pro and anti-John Farrell forces divided. Farrell’s game management skills are certainly questionable and rightly so. And, yes, it was not just the infamous pinch running situation.

The upside to Farrell is his leadership skills within the clubhouse. Farrell is obviously respected by his players and does keep a lid on any internal disputes among his group of sensitive millionaires. This cannot be understated in this day and age – that is an important ingredient and may have saved Farrell’s hide.

Farrell has been given the blessing by management since he has not only been given another year, but has had his option also picked up. Two more years gives the manager a comfort zone and players know that senior management has some degree of confidence.

Dave Dombrowski will be St. Dave or become as vilified as Harry Frazee. The trades could backfire with the failure of performance in Boston and those dearly departed becoming All-Stars elsewhere. Risk versus reward. If a banner or two that is emblazoned with World Series Champions flutters over Fenway in 2017 or 2018 it will be Theo who?

Next: Red Sox claim Steve Selsky off waivers

DD’s work is not done – not by a very long shot. What happens when the plumbing leaks and the foundation cracks? Ah….DD will be called upon for some in season repairs and if that is handled with some degree of efficiency then all will proceed as planned.

Sources: Fangraphs

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