Red Sox: The most crucial positions for the 2017 season

Mar 4, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) throws to first for the out in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) throws to first for the out in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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As spring training games get going, here’s a look at the five most crucial positions in 2017 if the Red Sox are going to win the World Series.

Feb 22, 2017; Ft. Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) works out as it rains during spring training at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Ft. Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) works out as it rains during spring training at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The 2016 season for the Boston Red Sox effectively ended when Drew Pomeranz hung a curveball to elderly Coco Crisp in Game 3 of the ALDS. Although the team had 12 more outs to give, the feeling after that home run by the former Red Sox centerfielder was grim and ultimately true, as the Indians hung on to clinch the sweep.

As spring training games get started in gearing up for the 2017 season, the Red Sox are primed to make another run at baseball glory, thanks to grade-A offseason acquisitions to a roster with a plethora of talented assets.

Vegas odds rank the Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs as co-favorites to win the World Series at 9/2, according to Dayn Perry of CBS Sports and Bovada.lv.

Should the Red Sox get back to the fall classic in the year following the retirement of David Ortiz, here’s a look at five most crucial positions for the Red Sox that will get them there.

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