NFL Tickets
Even though the Boston Red Sox are playing better at this point during the season, it can be safe to say that the 2015 campaign has been bitterly disappointing and very underwhelming. There is quite a bit of work that needs to happen during this offseason for Boston to consider themselves to be contenders.
I don’t think the position players are much of an issue. Yes, there is always the Hanley Ramirez problem. However, if he can prove to play an even just passable first base, that would probably be enough; if healthy, Ramirez can be devastating. The biggest concerns are all about the pitching.
Boston is going to have to break the bank and go after an ace like David Price or Johnny Cueto. They need to get one of those guys to anchor the rotation. If they managed to get a really strong free agent, the Red Sox would be spending a lot of money but not losing prospects.
The bullpen is where the prospect situation is going to come into play. The relievers have shown to be worse than the starting rotation and this winter there are no impact arms to sign. The Red Sox are going to have to dip into their deep prospect pool and trade for some quality arms in the bullpen. I’m not talking about a Mookie Betts or Xander Bogaerts. However, there are quite a few other prospects in the minors who might get the attention of another team.
Let’s face facts. What if Boston doesn’t sign Price, which is a distinct possibility? They might go and get Jordan Zimmermann or a younger arm which may not be ideal but they could make up for that deficit by getting a lockdown bullpen. The starting rotation could be just good enough and dominant relievers could take care of the rest.
Boston tried this blueprint with the no ace philosophy, but they forgot about the bullpen part. They are sure playing the price now.
Carter Roane is a Boston Red Sox writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter@CarterGRoane, “Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
Share 
