It's not
that hard to see a scenario where things break right and the Sox are competitive:
- Sale comes back and gives us 120-140ish innings of #2-quality starting pitching.
- Eovaldi comes back and does the same.
- Verdugo continues to play like he did in the 2nd half of last year.
- Yoshida breaks out and becomes the high-OBP leadoff hitter we needed last year.
- Kiké continues to provide excellent defense in center.
- Story/Arroyo/Valdez provide adequate defense up the middle.
- Wong/McGuire are sufficient behind the dish and McGuire provides some flare at the bottom of the lineup.
- Bloom's bullpen additions provide some lock-down coverage.
- Bello takes a step forward and becomes a consistent #2/3 starter.
- Casas continues to develop into a middle-of-the-order threat and gives Devers and Story some coverage.
All of that happening is unlikely, but with a little luck, some timely development, and an easier schedule, I can totally see the Sox winning 85 games and fighting for a wild card.