December 18, 2014

Fangraphs: Red Sox Best Team In AL East

Worst to first to worst ... to first?

ESPN's David Schoenfield explains why:
Boston's busy offseason has been much discussed. Many believe the Red Sox still need to pick up another starter to anchor the rotation, but FanGraphs already projects them as the best team in the division [87-75].

That may be surprising after this past season's last-place finish, but general manager Ben Cherington has done a nice job reconstructing his starting rotation. Rick Porcello, Wade Miley and Justin Masterson aren't flashy but should be a durable and reliable trio (especially if Masterson's knee, which bothered him in 2014, is healthy).

Plus, the Red Sox can dream on these possibilities:

1. Mookie Betts, All-Star. Yes, he's that good.

2. Xander Bogaerts, All-Star. His rookie season was a disappointment. He also just turned 22. It all comes together this year.

3. Rusney Castillo does the job in center field with a solid all-around season (that 87-win projection actually includes Castillo being only a replacement-level player).

4. David Ortiz has one more big season. ...

4 comments:

Kathryn said...

The world series bet I placed in Vegas in November had the Sox at 24:1 to win. It is now at 9:1.

johngoldfine said...

We're all rooting for you to win big, Kathryn. Don't forget the little people when you're counting your mega-loot next Fall.

Michael said...

It's all hypothetical, but I agree. The AL East isn't what it used to be (87 wins?) and I think the Sox underperformed grossly on their potential last year.

Kathryn said...

Ha John, we'll see how far that $240 will go!