by William Kharfen
As Spring Training finishes up, there is a lot to talk about for Red Sox fans and their World Series hopeful team. As new president Dave Dombrowski took over, fans could see their team changing dramatically both now and presumably in the near future, with additions like star pitcher David Price, outfielder David Murphy, outfielder Chris Young, closer Craig Kimbrel, and pitcher Carson Smith. The team didn’t just change with the additions of well known veterans, but also with the addition of a lot of new prospects, also known as the future Boston Red Sox. As the team ages, you can see David Ortiz’s retirement as the sign of an unfamiliar Red Sox’s lineup in the near future as new things are experimented with and new players enter the everyday lineup, such as new up and coming stars Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Rusney Castillo. Other newcomers like infielder Devin Marrero, first baseman Travis Shaw, and outfielder Bryce Brentz may also contribute this year. There are also many young pitchers at Spring Training this year. Now that Spring Training has about finished up and players have all reported to camp, this is the best time to see all these new guys in action against other big league talent.
One major prospect that Sox fans should watch out for this season is infielder Deven Marrero. The talented second, shortstop, and third baseman is mostly known for his great defensive skills and will be very useful in the field this season. Another potential breakout player is power hitting first and third baseman Travis Shaw. Shaw hit 13 home runs in only 65 games last season, something Boston wants to keep around even just as a pinch hitter and backup player.
There are also many pitching prospects that will look to make a statement this season. One of these pitchers is starting rotation hopeful Henry Owens. At only 23 years old, making the starting rotation is going to be a heavy task this year for Owens, but he will definitely get time on the mound this season. One other young pitcher that is definitely a future star is Eduardo Rodriguez, who will just look to keep improving, moving up to the third or fourth spot in the rotation in this upcoming season. There are many other pitchers as well, such as Brian Johnson, Williams Jerez, and Edwin Escobar that will probably at some point in the season each get a start or two.
Spring Training is where all that offseason training comes into play for the young guys who are fighting for a spot on this team. With a 12-1 chance according to Las Vegas to win it all, this team is looking for and expecting at least an American League Championship Series appearance this year if not a World Series win with this young ballclub.