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Five Red Sox question marks for the 2018 season

By Rick McNair

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 14: A general view of the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Fenway Park on September 14, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 14: A general view of the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Fenway Park on September 14, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 27: Rick Porcello (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 27: Rick Porcello (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The Red Sox Rick Porcello did a turnaround, but the type that is best to forget about.  Leading the American League in wins in 2016 to leading in losses in 2017 with an ability to toss home run balls that would make Robin Roberts envious. Roberts once led the National League in home runs allowed for four straight seasons, but Roberts is also in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Red Sox need Porcello to be far more reliable and that may mean the Porcello of his last season with Detroit and not his first  with Boston. That Porcello was a solid middle of the rotation starter who could eat innings and keep it close. Much of this will be answered the first two months of 2018, but if the Porcello of 2017 surfaces the Red Sox may have to look at other rotation options.

Next: Red Sox Report Card: David Price

PREDICTION: Just what Porcello will show up?  I’ll place my money on any Porcello but the 2016 one.  That was a pitching anomaly based on Porcello’s career track record.  What you will get is 200+ innings, a 4.00 ERA, 30+ home runs allowed and a solid number three for the rotation. Porcello has always had a sturdy arm and that will continue.

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