By Nick Cherico | Observer Contributor
Pitchers and catchers reported for their first workouts on February 14th, marking the official beginning of a new baseball season. After their early exit in the 2016 playoffs and David Ortiz going into retirement, this Red Sox team faces plenty of questions heading into the new league year.
Who is going to start at third base?
Last year for the Red Sox third base was a revolving door. They never had a true every day starter. This is mainly due to the injury of Pablo Sandoval early in the year. After the Red Sox traded who many people thought would be their future third baseman in Yoan Moncada and one of their more versatile infielders in Travis Shaw, this spot is going continue to be a question mark for Boston.
Pablo Sandoval, who the Red Sox initially signed to be their every day third baseman a few years back, has not shown that he is worth the 5 year $95 million he was signed to. Main reasons being he has underperformed greatly and he spent most of last season on the DL (Disabled List).
With not too many options at third, it will be interesting to see who Boston rolls out with on opening day. Sandoval has been trying to prove to Red Sox fans that they can trust him by shedding a significant amount of weight and posting videos on social media of his new workout regimes. My guess would be either Sandoval or Brock Holt.
Who is going to start opening day?
For the first time in a while, the Red Sox have a deep starting pitching rotation. The acquisition of Chris Sale in the offseason, paired up with David Price and reigning Cy Young winner Rick Porcello leaves the Red Sox with one big question. Who do you start on opening day?
Sale, who according to baseball-reference.com has a better career ERA than both Porcello & Price seems like the obvious choice, however that won’t be the case. The answer should be Rick Porcello. He is the reigning AL Cy Young award winner and has been in Boston the longest out of the three main starters. Expect to see Boston roll out with Porcello on the mound Opening Day.
It feels like game three of the ALDS was just yesterday, but here we are just a few weeks away from opening day on April 3rd. Let’s hope this season has a better ending than last year.
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