Are the Red Sox Overhauling their Roster?

Jacoby Ellsbury after separating his shoulder in the home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. Image retrieved from bleacher report.com.

            The Red Sox finished last year with an embarrassing 69-93 record, 26 games back of the Yankees in the AL East and a clubhouse that lacked the sort of chemistry that was prominent in 2004. Because of the mega-trade that went down this past Spring, the Red Sox had a chance to remodel. This Off-season has been busy for the Sox, resigning David Ortiz (2-yrs, $26 million), signing back-up catcher David Ross (2-yrs, $6.2 million), utility outfielder Jonny Gomes (2-yrs, $10 million), gold glover Shane Victorino (3-yrs, $39 million), Catcher/1^st Baseman Mike Napoli (3-yrs, $39 million), Reliever Koji Uehara (1-yr, $4.25 million), Starting Pitcher Ryan Dempster (2-yrs, $26.5 million), and shortstop Stephen Drew (1-yr, $9.5 million). Many are skeptical of the moves made in Boston this off-season and some argue that the team is spending too much money on older veterans that may split time with one another. One of the most prominent examples is the fact that the Red Sox now have four quality catchers under their roster, assuming the deal gets finalized with Mike Napoli. However, I believe that there is a method to this overhauling madness!

            It is safe to say that this past season is one that all Sox fans would love to forget. Although most fans would love to place all the blame on EX-manager Bobby Valentine, it is apparent that the poor season was due to a number of issues. One of the largest issues was injury. Injuries appeared to crop up like the flu last season in the Red Sox clubhouse. The Red Sox opened the season without John Lackey (Tommy John surgery), their closer Andrew Bailey (thumb issues), and “star” left-fielder Carl Crawford (wrist and elbow). This set the tone for the rest of the season and no line-up at any point in the season included Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford all at once. Ellsbury missed three months after separating his shoulder in the home opener, Pedroia hit the DL in July with a torn muscle in his thumb, and David Ortiz missed a lot of time after injuring his achilles. It was the most any team has used the disabled list in one season. So how do you prepare for such a thing? DEPTH. That is the method behind the Red Sox’ madness this off-season!!!

The Red Sox had no depth last year, making them look like the Houston Astros of last year or the Florida Marlins of this year (Haha), when their line-up became riddled with injuries. Yes, it is ridiculous to have four quality catchers still. However, we know that Napoli will spend most of his time at first base and Jarrod Saltalamacchia is looking to be moved. And the Red Sox have not just added quality veterans, but mentors for the younger developing guys in the clubhouse. LaVarnway, who saw the most big-league time in his career last season, can learn from Ross and Napoli. This gives those younger guys time to learn and develop over the next couple years without the team having to give up contention in the AL East.

Depth is so important on any sports team and that was apparent last year for the Boston Red Sox. I am glad to see they have learned from it and I am looking forward to observing how it works out this upcoming season!