Seven Things That Make These Red Sox Easy to Root For
The team is just months past a last-place finish in the AL East, but good feelings abound in Red Sox Nation.
A year ago this time, fans were scrambling to convince themselves the previous fall’s World Series win wasn’t a fluke. Those hopes would be denied, but the team can only go up from here.
With just six days to go before opening day, not only are these Red Sox looking like a legitimate contender, they’re fun to watch. Here are the seven biggest reasons why.
‘Tres Amigos’
Together with longtime star David Ortiz, newcomers Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval look to form the cornerstone of the Sox’ 2015 batting lineup. It appears they’ve already formed a strong bond.
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Evidently at least two of the three have been close since before this season.
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The Maturation of Hanley Ramirez
On a similar theme, it’s no secret Hanley Ramirez has been a troublesome clubhouse member in the past. In 2009, he reportedly engaged in a shouting match with then-teammate Dan Uggla while a member of the Marlins. The following season, he publicly dissed Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez. But back with Boston – the team that first signed him in 2000 – he’s been a boy scout and an easy guy to root for.
No ace? No problem.
Ever since losing the Jon Lester sweepstakes to the Cubs last year, the Red Sox havebeendogged by questions of who among their starters is the ace – or whether they have one at all. The team’s rotation has shrugged off the media onslaught, with Clay Buchholz buying shirts emblazoned with the “He’s the Ace’’ and “I’m the Ace,’’ with all but the pitcher starting that day’s game donning the former. There’s no word yet on whether the staff will be reviving the bullpen band, but this staff evidently has strong chemistry.
Mike Napoli is having sweet dreams this spring.
A Well-Rested Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli had a down year in 2014 after a resurgent first season in Boston that saw him rack up 23 homers in 139 games. Napoli reportedly underwent surgery in November to fix sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that was causing him so many restless nights he contemplated retirement. It stands to reason he’ll be better rested this season and better able to perform, or so the Red Sox faithful have to hope. Either way, the changed Napoli is enjoying his post-surgery life – and dreaming for the first time in eight years.
A Healthy Dustin Pedroia
Dustin Pedroia is the emotional heart of the Red Sox lineup, but lately he’s been a shell of the stud he was in his MVP prime, let alone his later All-Star campaigns. While such a decline is expected of players as the reach their 30s, Pedroia has maintained all along his diminished numbers are due strictly to injury and not age. Fully healthy – and conditioned – after ending his season early to undergo hand surgery, Pedroia will look to back up his big talk on the diamond. So far, so good.
The Youth Movement
The Red Sox have several established stars in the aforementioned Ortiz, Ramirez, Sandoval and Pedroia, but they also boast one of the most exciting groups of up-and-comers in the majors. With Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Blake Swihart, the Red Sox have a trio of guys whose best baseball ahead of them – and if all goes according to plan, it’ll be All-Star caliber. Newly signed Cuban super-prospect Yoan Moncada is unlikely to make the roster this year, but should be a fine addition to the team’s young core in 2016 and beyond.
Dustin Pedroia and Xander Bogaerts hug in the dugout.
Genuine Optimism
Dustin Pedroia and Xander Bogaerts are surging. Mookie Betts has been a monster atop the lineup. Clay Buchholz has turned back the clock to 2010. Blake Swihart is looking every bit the team’s catcher of the future. Sure, Koji Uehara looked mortal down the stretch last season and is now nursing injury, but by and large, Red Sox fans have to like what they’ve seen so far. It’s only Spring Training and not actual spring, but things are shaping up well for a rebound from last season’s disappointment.
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