Boston Red Sox: Grading the squad before spring training begins
By Rick McNair
MANAGEMENT
A new manager or manager in waiting on interim manager depending upon which title is placed on Roenicke. Roenicke is no novice and at 63 years-old has experienced the baseball wars at all levels including manager for five years. At his age, his managerial style is set and the big plus in his adventure is he knows the players and they know him.
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Roenicke will be involved in player decisions but at just what level? Will Bloom be the deciding factor? How much leeway and discretion will Roenicke have? Usually, a partnership exists between the manager and GM, but Roenicke is not “Bloom’s guy.” Will that impact?
Bloom will also be in a pothole filling mode as there is certainly work to be done. This latest edition of the Red Sox can contend but are they configured to take it all? That is a stretch to assume the Red Sox will be World Series bound.
So Bloom will also be observed in just how he approaches roster building and filling. The Tampa template is already being followed with payroll constriction and bargain hunting such as Pillar.
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Hovering in the background is ownership and that means John Henry who makes the final decisions or should be regarding adding and subtracting dollars. Bloom does have some play money, but would Henry allow more with the appearance of a sudden object of affection that could enhance the team as an attraction.
Grade: B