No, not the shitty 80's pop band you chumps! The Sox '15 version! How's it forming? Before the offseason even began, the Sox had already dramatically improved the outfield by the addition of Castillo and the emergence of Betts. Those two ended up also creating a jam for playing time out there even before adding Hanley. After a little dealing they turned one Yoenis into a starting pitcher (possibly the Sox no. 1 next season) and things began to look a little more clear.... as it stands today I think we'll see the starting OF look like:
LF Ramirez
CF Castillo
RF Vic
Revolving OF (and occasional 2B): Betts (although I think Vic will either end up injured or traded by the end of April at the latest and we'll see him f/t RF)
5th OF: Nava
I think Craig will be dealt and we'll have JBJ ready to be called up after the Vic injury as late inning defensive replacement for Hanley and occasional starter.
As it is I think defensively it looks very strong across the board in Fenway, but weak in LF in away games (perhaps seeing more Betts away from Fenway), obviously. Offensively there's still some questions marks. Mookie was outstanding but is still pretty green and could turn in an Xander-like stretch of struggle at some point. Nava is Nava and Vic could be injured. Rusney is also a question mark even though his winter games look good and his performance after coming up looked fantastic. I'm more optimistic on this group then I was on the '14 version.
LF Ramirez
CF Castillo
RF Vic
Revolving OF (and occasional 2B): Betts (although I think Vic will either end up injured or traded by the end of April at the latest and we'll see him f/t RF)
5th OF: Nava
I think Craig will be dealt and we'll have JBJ ready to be called up after the Vic injury as late inning defensive replacement for Hanley and occasional starter.
As it is I think defensively it looks very strong across the board in Fenway, but weak in LF in away games (perhaps seeing more Betts away from Fenway), obviously. Offensively there's still some questions marks. Mookie was outstanding but is still pretty green and could turn in an Xander-like stretch of struggle at some point. Nava is Nava and Vic could be injured. Rusney is also a question mark even though his winter games look good and his performance after coming up looked fantastic. I'm more optimistic on this group then I was on the '14 version.