TAKEAWAYS FROM THE TORRID START
But still, questions aplenty
Nearly a month into this most intriguing of seasons, the Red Sox have almost made a mockery of good first impressions.
They hit for power, they score runs, they play good defense, they get quality starts, they like each other, they are likable and they have scrubbed losses from their vocabulary.
The start to their 2018 season has been fantastic, so while remembering to give them full credit, let’s also try to gain a better understanding of what the first-eighth of a season has taught us.
What We Know: Alex Cora is the right manager for this team
In general, managers catch far too much blame for when things go sour, just as they need to step into the background when things are going right.
Still, it’s important to single out Cora for instilling an atmosphere that’s conducive to winning and impossible to miss. He’s subtle about it. Laid-back and hard to get a rise out of in the dugout, during batting practice or while engaging with the media, don’t mistake Cora’s demeanor for someone just lucky enough to be along for the ride. He has a hawk-like attention to detail and a consistent on-point message that demands excellence while he exudes unwavering faith and confidence that his players will play with — or eventually reach — their full potential.
He inherited a good team, but with the addition of J.D. Martinez and health to a few key regulars, Cora has made it better.
“I’m in a good place, you know? I know how good they are, but it’s just something about them. They make you feel confident,” said Cora. “You show up every day to work, I enjoy it, I’m having a blast with them. Not only in the dugout, but in the clubhouse. It’s fun. It’s fun to be around them. It’s a good group and we’re growing together, we’re learning together and you know, we’re going to keep getting better.”
Still a question: How good is this bullpen?
Craig Kimbrel is as good a closer as any team can ask for, but the rest of the bullpen gang has yet to be judged. The Red Sox placed a bet that the return of Carson Smith and eventual return of Tyler Thornburg would be enough to keep the bullpen fresh and effective deep into the season. Part of the calculus was that a healthy rotation and revived lineup would place the relievers in fewer high-leverage situations.
To date, the bullpen has not approached the high standards established by the starters and hitters. Heading into the weekend, its 3.57 ERA placed it right in the middle league-wide; the starters’ 1.98 ERA was at the top. The relievers’ 10.8 percent walk rate is too high, and they had the ninth-lowest left-on-base percentage.
Given the early and wide leads they’ve been given, there’s an argument to be made that the Red Sox relievers have yet to be tested. The lead Joe Kelly
and Smith blew in Game 1 feels like ancient history, but there remains plenty to prove.
What We Know: Health and J.D. Martinez have made all the difference with Hanley Ramirez
Among the league leaders in slugging percentage, RBI, batting average and OPS, Ramirez is making his slightly tongue-incheek boast this spring that he would have a 30-30 season look like it can be a reality. Even if he does not reach those lofty goals, Ramirez is making uneasiness about him triggering next year’s expensive option a needless worry. Feeling no more discomfort in his surgically repaired left shoulder has made the biggest difference, with Ramirez swinging free and easy, going with the pitch and not forcing swings. He looks as if he could go off, power-wise, at any moment.
Ramirez is saying and doing everything right. His enthusiasm and team-centered thoughts speak to a maturity that does not get enough credit.
Still a question: How unique is David Price’s elbow?
Lord knows this could sound like a return to 2017 negativity, but trust me, that’s in the past. Price has redeemed himself in every way this year, so there’s no looking back — except for one important factor.
Let’s not forget that Price made only 11 starts and pitched 742⁄3 innings last season. Exactly how big of a jump will the Red Sox allow before they begin to worry? The Red Sox have been so careful with Price, Chris Sale and all the starters, easing them in so that they can be fresh in October. Even a 100-inning increase for Price sounds
like a lot, beyond any problems with the injury that limited him so much last year. Maybe this wouldn’t be an issue if Price had not left start No. 3 at Fenway with that numb hand, but it was a reminder that the Red Sox will likely have to treat Price more gingerly than even Sale when it comes to keeping him healthy and fresh.
What We Know: Mookie Betts is the frontrunner for AL MVP
Nothing quite like making snap judgments with seven-eighths of the season to go. This seems like an obvious call to make, but it’s worth stating, especially in the wake of Betts outshining perennial MVP
Mike Trout in the Angels series. Didi Gregorius is having a breakout season, and none of Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge and
Manny Machado has gotten hot yet, but the Betts watch is on. And there’s no pressure at all in saying that the award is his to lose.
Still a question: Who’s on second base?
If there’s one position the Red Sox simply can’t point to and say everything will be all right, it’s second base. The current placeholder there is Eduardo Nunez, who’s lived up to his reputation as a good hitter and an average-atbest second baseman. His range simply is not great, and he’s not particularly sure-handed. (Cora should still be able to get some improvement out of him with the glove.) Offensively, Nunez has not been one of the leaders — two home runs and 6 RBI in 15 games — but his effort has been fine. He’s certainly of value while Dustin Pedroia recuperates, but the absence of the veteran infielder is something to fret about for as long as it continues.
Pedroia, coming off serious knee surgery, is in Fort Myers, in the final stages of rehab before games. While second-guessing his resiliency and production usually comes back to bite the doubter, it’s perfectly normal to maintain skepticism until the 34-year-old can actually disprove it. We all remember how limited Pedroia was when he played last season, especially toward the end. Lasting memories tend to last until new ones are minted.
What We Know: Rick Porcello’s start is better than his 2016 Cy Young start
The every-other-year phenomenon is in full effect. After his first four starts, Porcello looks even better than he did two years ago. He was also 4-0 after 252⁄3 innings in 2016, but had a 3.51 ERA, 20 strikeouts and five walks. This year, Porcello’s at 1.40 with just one walk and 23 strikeouts. Should he be able to maintain this level of dominance like he did two seasons ago, and Sale and Price also continue to pitch to their capabilities, the Red Sox will be unable to avoid series win after series win.
Still a Question: What is the future of Blake Swihart?
Swihart appearaned in just eight of the first 18 games, and made one start — at DH. This is a waste of Swihart’s talent. Cora should not play Swihart just to play him, but if he’s not going to have him catch a game that Sandy Leon is scheduled for at least once in a while, or try him in the infield at this moment when the middle half is on the DL, then the Red Sox should come out and say they’re content with a 24-man roster. Or else decide on another course of action with Swihart.
What We Know: Red Sox are back to being likable
While some wonder if winning begets likability in the same way that some wonder about the relationship between winning and chemistry, there is no longer a doubt: The team has recaptured the imagination of Red Sox fans. TV ratings have been high, and while the weather for the first homestand was beyond lousy, the caliber of play resonated with fans who seemed to appreciate fully what they were watching.
Priority one for the players is to play winning baseball and the rest will take care of itself, but by turning the “likability” factor into a positive, the Red Sox established a level of goodwill and trust that their AL East-winning squads from the last two years never had.
The leash is longer with them now. They’ve earned that.
Still a Question: How will the carnivorous Boston media cope with a team that might not crack doubledigits in losses?
This is the biggest mystery of all.