Red Sox: What potential disasters await in 2017?

Feb 27, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price (24) looks on from the dugout against the St. Louis Cardinals at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price (24) looks on from the dugout against the St. Louis Cardinals at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 15, 2017; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (25) throws against the Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (25) throws against the Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Staff

David Price has storm warnings flying at a snappy clip with his recent concerns. The crisis has been averted – at least momentarily – but hovering in the background to all – especially Price – is will the next pitch be “The One?”

Newcomer Tyler Thornburg became a spring training pitching piñata in his first few appearances. How bad was it? I am certain Stevie Wonder would have hit Thornburg. Is it just a minor adjustment to a new routine? Thornburg will start the season on the DL. I will fan the flames of doubt with a simple phrase – Carson Smith.

Drew Pomeranz – a noted failure of 2016 – has developed a slight muscle strain, but just what is slight? Will it be of continuing concern? Will he simply go the way of a Yugo?

Steven Wright may be back on his pitching track after last season’s shutdown. That – quite naturally – has me in Missouri “Show Me” mode. A big ditto to Eduardo Rodriguez and his knee. Even Rick Porcello’s tweak of a thumb causes me check out sleep aids. All (supposedly) have passed the pitching litmus test. I have certainly heard that before – just don’t look behind the curtain.

If it is June and Kyle Kendrick is being considered our ace then the season is officially lost.

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