Why Red Sox ignoring pitching in favor of position depth
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| (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) |
Contributing Writer
After shedding player salary and more importantly bleeding quality talent, the Red Sox front office made another small move favoring position depth on the field.
It's been the same story this entire off season, one where the Red Sox send off valuable players yet fail to improve on their biggest weakness, pitching.
Instead they added another depth piece, this one being far down the line as insurance for injury to the catcher position.
As reported by Jon Heyman of MLB Network, it's Jonathan Lucroy added on a minor league deal.
Lucroy has agreement with Red Sox. Minors deal but needed there.— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 18, 2020
Lucroy was once one of the best catchers in the league between 2012 and 2016, but has aged in to a 33 year old major league journeyman playing for five different teams since.
Last year he split time between the minor leagues, the Angels, and finally the Cubs slashing .274 / .335 / .416 over his last 162 games.
The last three years has seen him splitting time mostly between the minor leagues until injuries invite his call up or trade to a major league start. His power at the plate has faded, though he remains a tough strike out.
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| (Photo: MLB.com) |
The real questions are why the focus on depth pieces such as Lucroy, Kevin Pillar, and the continuing rumors of interest in the Padres outfielder Wil Myers?
A quick look at the starting rotation and bullpen should make one think that maybe it's time to throw out a net for some pitching upgrades.
Why are they ignoring pitching improvements over position depth?
Raising 2020 ticket prices, shedding talent, and surrendering before it even starts is not the Red Sox way. There's a chance we might see Fenway Park not selling out as the Red Sox fail to make another run at the postseason.
Maybe the Red Sox have thrown in the towel on the 2020 season at the projected 85 wins?
Come on front office, say it ain't so?
Post a comment or via twitter @erics_redsox with your thoughts.
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