Boston Red Sox discussion point predictions for 2019 season
By Rick McNair
I have become a master at poor analogies so I will present one and that is the Siren song of Greek mythology only it is a free agent siren song. The Red Sox have several notables waiting at the line that says “Big Dollars” with an attendant good to great season required. Ask Drew Pomeranz about going splat when the money awaits.
The “Big Three” for those wishing to appoint are Chris Sale – lefty extraordinaire, Rick Porcello of inning-eating fame, and Xander Bogaerts. The one with a giant Citigo Sign question mark looming over his season is Sale.
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Sale has a shoulder issue that surfaced in 2018 and may surface in 2019. If Sale is limited, the price tag deprecates dramatically and a David Price type contractual bonanza will dissipate like a snow cone in the Sahara sun. The Red Sox season survival index will most certainly spiral in the wrong direction is Sale suddenly has to use his right arm to comb his hair.
The legitimate projection for Sale (12-6, 2.91 ERA) is rather ordinary for a pitcher of Sale’s status, but I will agree that will be Sale’s balance sheet for 2019. As I previously stated I have a half and half on predictions and on this one I will hope I am wrong.
Porcello is a different kettle of fish as another archaic expression would note. Porcello is not a great hurler, but a very good one who has enjoyed all the comforts of a four-year and $80 million contract that is running its course. Porcello issues no excuses when he tosses a pitching furball and is the consummate professional at his craft. Expect the usual 200+ innings. Expect another four years or longer deal here or elsewhere.
Bogaerts reportedly is fluent in four languages and he will soon be able to say “I am filthy rich” in all four. Bogaerts is somewhat of an enigma since he has the swing and the physical build to be a Fenway home run machine. Last season you saw it, but this season you will see more and I expect a lot more. Enjoy his last Boston season.