Red Sox CEO: ‘Pressure is definitely on’
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy admits the organization heard lots of displeasure from the fans during the offseason.
“Pressure is definitely on the 2023 Boston Red Sox,” Kennedy said on Monday morning at the team's spring training complex on the first full day of workouts.
Following the departure of shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who signed a $280 million, 11-year freeagent deal with the San Diego Padres during the offseason, and finishing last in the AL East for the fifth time in 11 seasons, Kennedy knows the fans are bothered by stars leaving and inconsistent results.
“We certainly had a lot of interest in our offseason and we heard a lot from fans. We have to be competitive. If we're competitive it'll take care of any lack of interest,” Kennedy said.
Judge: ‘You never know’ about 62
Aaron Judge flashed a big smile when asked if he could repeat his accomplishments of last year, when he hit an American
League record 62 home runs for the New York Yankees.
“You never know,” he
said after the Yankees' first full-squad workout. “I don't really like putting a number on it. I just kind of like going out there and trying to control what I can control, but you never know what could happen. So, we'll see about 62.”
Cubs, Fulmer finalize contract
The Chicago Cubs added Michael Fulmer to their bullpen on Monday, finalizing a $4 million, oneyear contract with the righthander.
Fulmer played for Detroit and Minnesota last season, going 5-6 with 3.39 ERA in a career-high 67 appearances. Fulmer, 29, is 34-45 with a 3.89 ERA and 17 saves in 204 career games, including 89 starts.
Andrus signs with White Sox
Elvis Andrus is joining the Chicago White Sox, stepping into the team's opening at second base.
Andrus finalized a $3 million, one-year contract on Monday. The two-time All-Star has played shortstop for his entire career, but will move to second.
To make room on the roster, lefthander Bennett Sousa was designated for assignment.
The 34-year-old Andrus finished last season with Chicago, hitting .271 with nine homers.