A Swinging Strike
Starters are always needed and 2017 is the perfect example. Big things were expected of Price, but the “Ace” spent half the season in the maintenance barn with a cranky elbow. And how about a cranky personality? Price won over no one with his petulant attitude.
Steven Wright was to have a dual responsibility of staring and pinch running but down went for the season. Rick Porcello was auditioning for a spot at heaving pitches for Home Run Derby. Despite all the dents, the rotation did fine – especially Sale.
The off-season is the time to scour the baseball landscape for a pitcher who may offer some positives during the season. Yes – getting Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta would be magnificent, but that will not happen. So, the usual path is a Doug Fister and Mike Fiers type or getting them personally. The Red Sox passed on all.
I can’t see any reasoning behind this. The rotation has too many question marks and as much as I feel Hector Velazquez will surprise it won’t be enough. This is generally a low-price option for a team with either an incentive laden contract or just an invite to spring training. So far nothing has surfaced.