The Boston Red Sox enter 2016 hoping to return to their 2013 World Series form or in the very least stay out of the AL East basement. I say it will be closer to the former. In 2015, the Sawx stumbled out of the blocks and stayed that way for most of the 1st half. Thankfully, with expectations for the season in the gutter, the team buoyed by the youth movement of Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Jackie Bradley Jr., found a way to stay competitive and finished at 78-84. Not exactly ticker-tape parade worthy, but they finished strong and are hoping to start this year where they left off last year. Oh, and they added some guy named Price. So, here’s what I see from the Sawx, DefCon style:

 

Offense: Boston finished last year with the 4th best offense in baseball even if it just wasn’t enough to carry the team above .500. The same lineup returns led by MVP in-the-making Mookie Betts and a full season of Jackie Bradley,Jr., who finally emerged as the star that was expected when he made the opening day lineup in 2013. The biggest question marks in my mind were Pablo Sandoval and Rusney Castillo which John Farrell has smartly addressed by starting Travis Shaw and super-utility man Brock Holt in their place. Sawx fans should have some apprehension relating to the health and endurance of Dustin Pedroia and Big Papi David Ortiz, in his final year. I wouldn’t bet against either of these future HOFers. But for 2016, I wouldn’t be surprised if they saw significant DL time. But my biggest concern would be the health of Hanley Ramirez, who hasn’t played 140 games in a season since 2012. DefCon=4

 

Defense: The Sawx may have one of the best outfield’s with just Betts and Bradley, Jr. Throw in the athleticism of Holt and the newly acquired Chris Young and the Sox shouldn’t have to worry about too many balls finding the gaps. The infield will be anchored by the very sure-handed Bogearts at SS. Replacing Sandoval with Shaw is a significant upgrade. But two big questions remain: How long can Dustin Pedroia stay healthy and how much of a liability will Hanley Ramirez be at his new 1B position, if he can even stay in the lineup? DefCon=4

 

Bench/Pipeline: A few days ago the Sawx biggest asset would have been their bench. But placing Shaw and Holt in the field depletes it significantly, especially with Pablo Sandoval and Rusney Castillo taking their places on the pine. On the bright side, Chris Young gives them a solid 4th OF and great punisher of LH pitching. The Sawx seem to be a little light in their farm system but that’s only because their youth is currently on display at the big league level. Nonetheless, not sure who will be available and effective to provide relief later in the season. DefCon=3

 

Starting Picthing: Unlike the rival Yanks, the Sawx actually have an undeniable #1 starter in $217 million free agent signing, David Price. The perennial CY Young candidate will have little problem adjusting to Fenway, and showed with his short stint in Toronto that he can handle the AL East no matter what jersey he’s wearing. Sadly, the recent injury to Eduardo Rodriguez means Price is about the only arm they can depend on. The rest of the current rotation of Clay Buchholz, Rick Porcello, Joe Kelly, and Steven Wright is a complete mixed bag of “who know’s what you are going to get.” Price is a huge upgrade but the Sawx will need someone else to step up and provide some semblance of consistency. DefCon=2

 

Bullpen: The offseason acquisition of Craig Kimbrel helps lengthen their already successful bullpen. Much like the Yanks and other teams around the league they have a potential 7/8/9 trio that can shorten games, with Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara tasked with getting the ball to Kimbrel. Throw in Matt Barnes and Robbie Ross, Jr. and the Sawx look unflappable in the late innings. The only concern I would have would be if 41 year-old Uehara is up for another 60 innings of work this year. DefCon=4

 

Overall, the Sawx are a better team than they were last season. And truth be told they would be better not only with another reliable starting arm but by finding a way to dump Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez ASAP. I can see the 2016 Sawx competing for a Wild Card spot but not for the division……unless they find 1-2 starting arms in and around the trade deadline. Otherwise, this team is still getting better and more than likely will be World Series bound in the next few years.

Can you say rivalry renewed? Yanks and Sawx will be battling all year long. Does baseball get any better than that? Not in my world and my blog.