John Farrell On Sports Final: No Concerns About Red Sox' Lack Of Ace
BOSTON (CBS) -- While many fans of the Boston Red Sox are worried that the team doesn't have a true ace at the front of their rotation, this is not a concern for their manager as his team begins spring training.
Pitchers and catchers held their first official workout on Saturday down in Fort Myers, Florida, and manager John Farrell, who signed a two-year contract extension with Boston over the weekend, is confident that one of his five starters will emerge as the rotation's leader throughout the season.
Rick Porcello, a 15-game winner for the Detroit Tigers in 2014, could be that guy. Or maybe Clay Buchholz will stay healthy and live up to the potential we've heard about for years. Newcomers Wade Miley and Justin Masterson, along with returning right-hander Joe Kelly, figure to round out the Boston rotation, and Farrell believes any of those five pitchers can become the "ace" of the staff.
"The fact is we have five guys in the rotation with legit major league track records," Farrell told WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on Sunday night's edition of Sports Final. "To me, our No. 1 starter is the guy who goes to the mound that night. And I believe in the abilities and talents of those five guys so far.
"We have a young pitcher in Rick Porcello who has evolved over the last two years to become an upper end of the rotation pitcher. A healthy Clay, I think everyone is aware what his capabilities are," said Farrell. "It's our collective job to maintain that health, to allow him to perform like a No. 1 guy. Early 2013 he was in the conversation of a Cy Young award – the ability is there."
Farrell said getting a big bounce-back year from Masterson, whose ERA jumped from 3.45 in 2013 to 5.88 in 2014 with Cleveland and St. Louis, is one of the keys to the Boston rotation.
"Two years ago he was an all-star pitcher, but health derailed that somewhat," said Farrell. "He has thrown bullpens early here and things have gone well."
Farrell On Contract Extension, Boston's Rotation:
While his forte may be with the pitching staff, Farrell is also anxious to see what his new lineup will look like with offseason additions Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. Farrell knows what Ramirez can do with his bat, but has been even more impressed with the infielder-turned-outfielder's attitude as an early arrival to spring training.
"Everyone has somewhat of a feel for the makeup or the person. The thing that has stood out most has been his attitude, and his want to change positions, his want to come back to Boston," said Farrell, noting that Ramirez's move from shortstop to the outfield should help keep the injury bug away this season. "We have a chance to keep him healthy and to really make him the force he can be in the middle of our lineup."
Sandoval also showed up to Fort Myers early, eager to impress his new team. But an unflattering photo of the third baseman surfaced last week, showing his rather large physique.
Farrell and the Red Sox aren't concerned though, and neither should anyone who knows what Sandoval can bring to the field.
"When we had a legit chance to sign him, internally we were all excited because his reputation in the game is so positive. Not only what he does on the field but what he means to his teammates, the way he plays and the way he prepares," said Farrell. "His body should not be a surprise to those who pay attention to the game. He won't be the most streamline guy, but he's a damn good Major League player and fit our needs perfectly."
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Position players didn't have to report until Tuesday, but as of Monday, everyone but DH David Ortiz had arrived at the team's complex. Farrell is pleased to see everyone anxious to go, ready to put a last place finish in 2014 behind them.
"I think there is a combination of things at play here, and not too unlike prior to spring 2013," he said. "Players who are returning are disappointed and frustrated. They want to get back to work, to in a way redeem themselves. Then there's the newness and excitement around the players who were added this offseason, so the blend of those two things has led to a great attitude.
"But we have a lot of work to bring a talented group together as a team," the manager added.