Red Sox: Five storylines in the first week of March in spring training

Chris Sale, David Price, Rick Porcello

One of the major storylines regarding the Red Sox entering the spring was also one of the most positive possible debates an organization can have, as to who’s going to be the Opening Day starter:

David Price, the ace of the staff coming into last year after being awarded largest contract in Red Sox history, who after finishing with a lackluster year in Price’s standards (17-9, 227 hits in 230 innings), feels much more confident coming into his second spring with the team.

Rick Porcello, the reigning AL Cy Young Award Winner, deserves every right to be the starter on the mound Opening Day, though some raise the question of whether or not straying away from Price as the unquestioned ace will be good for the team and both Price and Porcello in the long run.

And finally, Chris Sale, the crown-jewel of the MLB offseason, who will come into the commonwealth with fireworks and passion to win that will be an integral part to any postseason success, and not to mention that along with Price, is among the top-tier of left-handed starters in the entire league.

Well, as it appears, Porcello is going to get the nod during the opener, as with scheduling and rest periods for the three at the top of the rotation, the spring training schedule has Porcello, Price and Sale pitching in consecutive fashion, which would line Porcello to throw April 3 against Pittsburgh, with Price and Sale following on the fifth and sixth following the off day.

Though this is in flux, as Price underwent an MRI on Wednesday after experiencing forearm soreness that John Farrell described as “greater intensity” than forearm issues Price has encountered in the past.

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Price and the Red Sox are seeking a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who is currently in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine, and as is habit with those seeking opinions from Andrews, the Red Sox have heightened reason for concern that there may be something seriously wrong with the left elbow of Price, making the presence of Porcello and Sale, and likely Steven Wright, Drew Pomeranz, and Eduardo Rodriguez all that more crucial.