Opening day is 4 weeks away from today, and there are whole heaps of new moving parts going into the 2016 edition of the Red Sox. Mr. @absintheofmalaise earlier today published a summary write-up of the most interesting storylines we're following and talking about. There are the obvious ones
And the not-so-obvious onesHe is 27th on the all-time HR list with 503. If he stays healthy and continues hitting home runs at the same rate he has for the past couple of years, he will end up in the Top 20 in home runs, passing such all-time greats as Ted Williams and Frank Thomas, both with 521 homers . He could even pass Jimmie Foxx (534) and Mickey Mantle (536) and end his career at #17 on the all-time home run list.
And the ones, that, frankly, we're gonna need a lotta help and articles to figure out and follow along with over the season.(Brock Holt) has had a traumatic offseason, losing not only his number, but also his trademark hair. There is historical precedent for people to grow weak and lose some of their skills and strength when this happens. We’ll see how his haircut and his gracious gesture to give up his number so that the Sox could retire it to honor Wade Boggs affects his game.
So, 28 Days Before, which narratives and variables heading into the 2016 season are winding your clock the most? What are you looking most forward to watch playing out? Don't make me search your posting history - tell me here, and vote!Vazquez is on track with his rehab to start throwing in game action soon. With his superior defensive abilities, he could become the primary catcher should either starter Blake Swihart or backup Ryan Hanigan falter or suffer injury.
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Swihart performed remarkably well considering he wasn’t expected to show his face at Fenway until this season at the very earliest. He spent the first half of 2015 studying the pitchers and learning how to call a game. His offensive numbers reflected his defensive priorities, as he hit just .241 in the first half.