Roche: So Far, So Good For 2016 Red Sox ... With Room To Improve
BOSTON (CBS) -- Yes, they've allowed an alarming number of runs this season (almost five per game average this season). Yes, their bullpen has been tested early and often due to some shaky starting pitching. And, yes their manager has made a few eye-popping decisions.
However, as the Red Sox close in on putting their first month in the books, I think there's a lot to like about this team.
Starting Pitching
After a poor start, things seem to be improving with the return of Eduardo Rodriguez imminent.
Steven Wright has been the team's best starter. The 31-year-old has seemed to figure out how to be consistent with the kunckleball. He doesn't strike out a lot of hitters, but he keeps the ball in play. He's been an invaluable member of this staff -- period.
We'll take the David Price April struggles as just that ... David Price April struggles. In my mind, as long as he's healthy he will pitch like an ace. No need to worry.
Rick Porcello has received a boost from the return of Christian Vazquez. I like how Dave Dombrowski identified a problem and attempted to fix it. Vazquez is a game-changer and it's pretty easy to see when you watch a game. Blake Swihart is a good catcher, but the Sox staff needed something to change. Pulling the trigger on it when they did may turn out to be the season-changing turn-around move. Clay Buchholz just needs to execute better as his stuff has seemingly improved each outing.
Getting deeper into games has to remain priority No. 1 for the rotation after watching the bullpen get maxed out early.
I still think the Sox will need another top-of-the-rotation guy if they want to make the playoffs, but Dombrowski has time to accomplish that.
Bullpen
The pen has responded well after withstanding fatigue and injuries early. Priority No. 1 is getting closer Craig Kimbrel right. Obviously, he's underperformed thanks in big part to Chris Davis and Colby Rasmus. His velocity is fine, but he hasn't complemented it with his off-speed stuff enough. It may also be a situation of settling in as a member of the Red Sox, something we've seen before around here.
With Koji Uehara, it is pretty simple. When he gets proper rest, he's as effective as ever. Not complicated. Junichi Tazawa has been good, as have Tommy Layne and Robbie Ross, Jr.
Heath Hembree could be a great find, and the return of Carson Smith could be huge as well.
Catching
Vazquez has been the difference-maker and the Red Sox need him behind the plate as often as possible. From his arm to his framing to his confidence-building in his pitchers, he's as good as there is in the game. Ryan Hanigan fills in any gaps as the perfect veteran backup. I will be interested to see how the whole Blake Swihart story ends. Swihart is a potential dynamic switch-hitting offensive player, so do the Red Sox change his position, do they continue to develop him as a catcher to one day pair him with Vazquez, or do they use him as a trade chip? The last option is tantalizing, but it better be for a star.
Positional Players
No complaints here once the dust settled from spring training. Travis a Shaw has been everything we thought he could be: a confident, level-headed, everyday big league player. Mookie Betts is becoming a superstar in front of our eyes. Xander Bogaerts is solid, as is a healthy Dustin Pedroia. Hanley Ramirez has exceeded expectations defensively and perhaps his offense will get better and better as he settles into his new spot. Jackie Bradley Jr. is what you hoped he could be -- a great defender who is growing with confidence as a hitter. Brock Holt is, well, Brock Holt. Chris Young has been a disappointment, but he's a veteran so he can definitely still get it going. David Ortiz continues to be the fountain-of-youth player we've seen the last several years, with no signs of slowing down in his retirement season. I do believe that it is harder and harder for David to physically get ready to play games, but John Farrell seems to be managing that well early.
Manager and Front Office
Despite the seemingly non-stop criticism of John Farrell, I think he has settled down. A "sense of urgency" was the theme coming in, and Farrell has been unafraid to make tough decisions with his personnel. The benching of Pablo Sandoval was the right move to make, as was starting Holt in left field.
Yes, there have been a few questionable pitching moves made/not made with the bullpen and the pinch-hitting Travis Shaw with Chris Young backfired early. However, for the most part Farrell has done a good job. The clubhouse seems like a real good place this year and the players are playing hard for him.
As for Dave Dombrowski, I'm sure it was a bit surprising to hear all the panic in New England the first two weeks, but I chalk that up to Red Sox fan frustration from the past two seasons and the "getting off to a good start" mantra we heard all through the spring. I do like his patience and problem-solving (Sandoval, Swihart/Vazquez).
We know he's not afraid to make a deal, .so that will be the next step in measuring the 2016 Red Sox.
Overall
Early impressions? Good and getting better. The Sox now need to start winning series. They do that for the next two months and they'll be well on their way to staying in playoff contention for a while. And right now, that's all Sox fans want to see.