Sox Outslug Cardinals in Home Opener (4/4/25)

THIS is the Boston Red Sox offense everyone envisioned back in February when the Sox signed Alex Bregman on the eve of spring training. The Boston bats started the 2025 season at Fenway Park in style by smacking around the St. Louis Cardinals. Alex Bregman got the party started with an rbi double off Cards starter Erick Fedde. Trevor Story hit a 3 run home run and Wilyer Abreu followed with a home run of his own. The floodgates opened as the Sox pounded out 13 runs off 16 hits in a big offensive day. The bad news was the Cardinals bats couldn't miss either. Walker Buehler (1-1, 8.68 ERA) got lit up for 5 runs in just 5 innings and the Cards got four runs off Zack Kelly and Cooper Criswell. The Cards had 9 runs off 13 hits of their own along with 3 fielding errors by the Sox. The tying run came to the plate in the ninth but Aroldis Chapman nailed down the save to give the Sox their first home opener win since 2020 with a 13-9 victory at Fenway Park.

                                                  Jason Statham approves of the win

Buehler got the ball in the top of the first and Lars Nootbaar grounded out to first to start. Wilson Contreras struck out swinging and Brendan Donovan grounded out to first. The Sox jumped on Fedde in the bottom of the first as Jarren Duran got a base hit to center to start. Duran swiped second and Rafael Devers drew a walk. Alex Bregman doubled down the left field line to score Duran but Triston Casas popped up to short. Trevor Story hit a 3 run bomb all the way out of Fenway to light up the crowd and Wilyer Abreu smashed his third home run of the year for back to back jacks. Kristian Campbell took strike three but Carlos Narvaez walked. Ceddanne Rafaela grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-0.

                                                     Back to back home runs

Nolan Arenado grounded back to the mound to start the top of the second before Alec Burleson singled to left. Abreu made a great catch to rob Ivan Herrera of a hit and Jordan Walker struck out swinging to end the inning. Duran flied out to center to start the bottom of the second before Devers drew another walk. Bregman flied out to center but Casas popped up to second to end the inning.

The Cards fought back in the top of the third as Victor Scott walked to begin. Masyn Winn singled to left and Nootbaar singled to left to score Scott but Conteras grounded into a double play. Donovan lined out to left to end the inning with the Cards down 5-1.

                                                                    Cards strike back

Story flied out to right to start the bottom of the third before Abreu grounded out to second. Campbell walked then promptly stole second, then scoring on the Narvaez single to right. Narvaez was thrown out at second trying to stretch a double to end the inning but the Sox were up 6-1.

                                                           Narvaez drives one in

The Cards clawed back in the game as Arenado doubled to left to start the top of the fourth and Burleson singled to right. Herrera hit a three run home run all the way to Russia to put St. Louis back in it. Walker grounded out to second, Scott grounded out to first and Winn grounded out to third to end the inning but the Cards were down 6-4.

                                                                 Home run Herrera

Steven Matz came in to pitch the bottom of the fourth and Rafaela lined out to center to start. Duran grounded out to short and Devers grounded out to third to end the inning.

Nootbaar struck out swinging to start the top of the fifth and Contreras was frozen for strike three. Donovan then hit a home run all the way to Zimbabwe to cut the lead even more. Arenado grounded out to short to end the inning with the Cards down 6-5. That was it for Buehler who got rocked for 5 runs in 5 innings off 7 hits and a walk.

                                                           Not Buehler's best effort

Bregman walked to start the bottom of the fifth before Casas cracked a double right to move Alex to third. Story struck out swinging but Abreu hit a seeing eye single into left to score Bregman, moving Casas to third. Campbell hit a sac fly to right to score Casas with another run. It looked like a fan interfered with the play but the ump ruled that the run counts. Narvaez popped up to second to end the inning with the Sox back up 8-5.

                                                              Abreu with another rbi

Greg Weissert took the mound to start the top of the sixth but Burleson got a base hit to right to begin. Herrera grounded into a double play and Walker hit a routine grounder to short....only for Casas to drop the throw from Story for an error. Walker stole second but Scott struck out swinging to end the inning. Rafaela flied out to center to begin the bottom of the sixth before Duran flied out to left but Devers beat out a roller to third. Bregman got a base hit to left but Casas forced Bregman at second to end the inning.

Zack Kelly came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Winn lined out to left to start. Nootbaar doubled off the Monster but Contreras was frozen for strike three. Naturally Donovan ripped a base it to left to score Nootbaar to cut the lead. Arenado flied out to center to end the inning with the Cards down 8-6.

                                                            Donovan drives in a run

Ryan Fernandez came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Story grounded out to short to start. Abreu got a base hit to right and Campbell followed with a base hit to center. Narvaez walked to load the bases and Rafaela beat out a double play ball to score Abreu with another run. John King came in to pitch to Duran and Jarren got a base hit to right to score Campbell, moving Ceddanne to third. Devers singled to center to score Rafaela but Bregman struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 11-6.

                                                              Duran drives in a run

Brennan Bernardino came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Burleson struck out swinging to begin. Herrera struck out swinging and Walker also went down hacking to end the inning. Casas smacked a double to left to start the bottom of the eighth and Story dumped a base hit to right to move Casas to third. Abreu grounded into a double play but Casas scored to increase the lead. Campbell walked and Chris Roycroft came in to pitch to Narvaez. Carlos doubled off the centerfield wall to score Campbell and Rafaela walked. Duran lined out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 13-6.

                                                          Carlos gets it done

Cooper Criswell came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Scott popped up to short to start. Winn got a base hit to right off the glove of Campbell and Kristian then booted a grounder by Nootbaar. Contreras ripped a base hit to center to score Winn and Donovan singled to center to score Nootbaar. Bregman then threw away a grounder by Arenado for an error to score Contreras. That was it for Criswell as Aroldis Chapman was summoned to put out the fire and Luken Baker pinch hit for Burleson. Naturally Baker walked to load the bases but Herrera grounded into a double play to end the game. The Sox had won it 13-9.

                                                          Red Sox win

Hero of The Night is Trevor Story. His big three run home run set the tone for the game and he also scored two runs.

                                                                   Hero Story

The Good:

Jarren Duran was 2 for 6 with an rbi, a stolen base and a run scored.

Rafael Devers was 2 for 3 with 2 walks, an rbi and a run scored.

Alex Bregman was 2 for 4 with a walk, rbi and 2 runs scored.

Triston Casas was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Wilyer Abreu was 3 for 5 with a home run, two total rbis and 2 total runs scored.

Kristian Campbell was 1 for 2 with 2 walks, a stolen base, an rbi and 3 runs scored.

Carlos Narvaez was 2 for 3 with 2 walks and 2 rbis.

Greg Weissert tossed a scoreless sixth inning.

Brennan Bernardino pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Aroldis Chapman earned the save by getting the final two outs in the ninth.

The Bad:

Zack Kelly allowed a run in an inning of work.

Cooper Criswell allowed 3 runs in 1/3 of an inning.

The Ugly:

Ceddanne Rafaela was 0 for 4 but walked, drove in a run and scored a run.

Walker Buehler got the win but allowed 5 runs in 5 innings off 7 hits and a walk while striking out four.

Final Thoughts:

That was a slugfest but at least the Sox were on the right side of it. The Sox were too good to hit that bad the first week of the season and this is more like what people envisioned when Bregman signed just before spring training started. The bad news was the Sox booted the ball like crazy when the pressure started to mount and the Cards bats didn't miss much either. Buehler looks like crap early and his short start forced another four innings out of the bullpen.....who allowed four runs of their own. Having a 13-6 lead with one out in the ninth and having Ivan Herrera one swing from tying the game isn't an ideal situation but Chapman got out of it. The pitching might be a problem with three starters out with injury and Buehler not pitching well, but the bats provided in this one. The Sox look to make it 2 in a row against St. Louis and four straight wins tomorrow afternoon. "Big" Dick Fitts (0-1, 4.50 ERA) goes for the Sox against Andre Pallante of St. Louis at 4:10 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Bats Wake Up, Beat Orioles (4/3/25)

Welcome back Boston Red Sox offense! After being relatively quiet for the first five games of the season, the Sox bats responded against the Baltimore Orioles. Alex Bregman and Triston Casas belted t8-4 atheir first home runs of the season while Kristian Campbell continued his hot streak with another one. Jarren Duran also drove in a run as well. On the pitching side, Tanner Houck was lifted in the fifth inning after allowing 3 runs but the Boston bullpen almost pitched a shutout the rest of the way. Zack Kelly (1-0, 0.00 ERA) got credit for the win and three others pitched in to hold the fort. The Sox bats pounded out 8 runs off 11 hits to win the game 8-4 at Camden Yards.

                                            Kailey "June Byers" Farmer approves of the win

Charlie Morton got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jarren Duran struck out swinging to start. Rafael Devers walked and Alex Bregman clobbered his first home run of the season to put the Sox on top. Triston Casas took strike three and Trevor Story struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                              First for Bregman

The O's wasted no time responding in the bottom of the first against Houck as Cedric Mullins led off with a home run to Santo Domingo to cut the lead. Adley Rutschman singled to right but Jordan Westbrug grounded into a double play. Ryan O'Hearn struck out swinging to end the inning with the O's down 1-0.

                                                             Mullins with the quick strike

The Sox struck again in the top of the second when Wilyer Abreu walked to start. Kristian Campbel jacked his second home run of the season to increase the lead. Carlos Narvaez struck out swinging, Ceddanne Rafaela popped up to first and Duran struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-1.

                                                         Campbell with the bomb

Tyler O'Neill flied out to center to start the bottom of the second before Heston Kjerstad went down hacking. Jackson Holliday flied out to left to end the inning.

Devers struck out swinging to start the top of the third before Bregman also swung at air. Casas got a base hit to left but Story flied out to left to end the inning. Ramon Urias struck out swinging to start the bottom of the third before Dylan Carlson took strike three. Mullins walked and stole second before Rutschman walked as well. Westburg singled to center to score Mullins but O'Hearn struck out swinging to end the inning with the O's down 4-2.

                                                             Westburg drives in a run

The Sox answered in the top of the fourth as Abreu singled to right to start. Campbell got a base hit to center but Narvaez flied out to center. Rafaela got a base hit to center to load the bases and Duran hit a sac fly to left to score Abreu. Devers flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 5-2.

                                                           Rbi for Duran

The O's responded in the bottom of the fourth as O'Neill flied out to right to start. Kjerstad doubled to left then moved to third on the grounder to first by Holliday. Urias singled to center to score Kjerstad to cut the lead. Carlson struck out swinging to end the inning with the O's down 5-3.

                                                               Urias drives in a run

Morton turned up the heat in the top of the fifth as Bregman was called out on strikes to start. Casas and Story both went down hacking to end the inning. Mullins was hit with a pitch to start the bottom of the fifth and Sox manager Alex Cora had enough of Houck. Tanner was ineffective today, allowing 3 runs in just 4 plus innings of work. He allowed 5 hits and 2 walks. Zack Kelly came in and got Rutschman to ground into a double play. Westburg grounded out to third to end the inning.

                                                            Not the best start by Houck

Bryan Baker came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Abreu struck out swinging to start. Campbell grounded out to third but Narvaez singled to right. Rafaela grounded into a double play to end the inning. Justin Wilson came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and O'Hearn grounded out to second to start. O'Neill struck out swinging and Ryan Mountcastle pinch hit for Kjerstad. Mountcastle doubled to left but Holliday grounded out to short to end the inning.

Keegan Akin came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Duran lined out to left to start. Devers flied out to left and Bregman doubled to left. Casas then smashed his first home run of the season to ice the game. Story popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox ahead 7-3.

                                                            Casas with his first of the year

Justin Slaten came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Urias got a base hit to left to start. Carlson took strike three and Mullins flied out to center. Rutschman grounded out to first to end the inning.

Matt Bowman came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Abreu flied out to left to start. Campbell grounded back to the mound and Narvaez grounded out to second to end the inning. Garrett "The Lock" Whitlock came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Westburg walked to start. O'Hearn struck out swinging but O'Neill forced Westburg at second. Mountcastle struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox got another run in the top of the ninth as Rafaela was retired on a squibber in front of the plate to start. Duran lined out to right but Devers got a base hit to center. Bregman doubled to right to score Devers but Casas grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox up 8-3.

                                                                 Bregman is all smiles

The Lock returned to close out the bottom of the ninth but Holliday doubled to left to start. Urias grounded out to short to move Holliday to third and Jackson scored on the sac fly to left by Carlson. Mullins took strike three to end the game. The Sox had won it 8-4.

                                                                Sox win

Hero of The Night is Alex Bregman. He got the party started with a 2 run bomb and added another rbi for good measure.

                                                               Alex Hero

The Good:

Triston Casas was 2 for 5 with a 2 run home run.

Wilyer Abreu was 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Kristian Campbell was 2 for 4 with a 2 run home run.

Zack Kelly got the win with a scoreless 5th inning.

Justin Wilson pitched a scoreless sixth inning.

Justin Slaten pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

The Bad:

Trevor Story was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Tanner Houck got rocked for 3 runs in just 4 innings. He allowed 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but drove in a run.

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and scored 2 runs.

Carlos Narvaez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Ceddanne Rafaels was just 1 for 4.

Garrett Whitlock allowed a run in two innings of work.

Final Thoughts:

Its about time the bats busted out. When at the top of their game, this could be a deadly offense with Devers, Abreu, Story, Bregman, Casas and Duran. It would be unfair to expect Campbell to keep up this pace but if he does, the balance of power might have shifted in the AL East. Houck looked like Schmidt in this one so can't blame Cora for yanking him in the fifth inning. Still, he needs to pitch better because the Sox can't afford to burn out the bullpen by July for the fifth year in a row. Still, it was good to see Bregman and Casas go deep, maybe that'll get them back on track. Going 3-4 to start the season isn't ideal but they've been in every game so far. The Sox now come home for their opener tomorrow afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals. Walker Buehler (0-1, 8.31 ERA) takes on Erick Fedde of St. Louis. The game begins at 2:10 PM at Fenway Park.

Crochet, Sox Blank O's (4/2/25)

The streak is over! The Boston Red Sox ended their four game losing streak in style, shutting out the Baltimore Orioles. Garrett Crochet (1-0, 1.38 ERA) tossed an 8 inning masterpiece, allowing just 4 hits and no runs to keep the O's off the board. Trevor Story launched his first home run of the year but big hits from Ceddanne Rafaela and Rafael Devers added some insurance runs. Devers in particular busted out of his slump with two big hits and Kristian Campbell remained hot with a pair of hits too. Aroldis Chapman locked it down in the ninth inning and the Sox had beaten the O's 3-0 at Camden Yards. What did the O's get, John Cena?

O's starter Zach Eflin got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jarren Duran struck out swinging to start. Rafael Devers popped up to third and Alex Bregman flied out to left to end the inning. Crochet got the ball in the bottom of the first inning and Jordan Westburg took strike three to start. Adley Rutschman flied out to right and Tyler O'Neill struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the second as Triston Casas struck out swinging to start. Trevor Story belted his first home run of the season but Wilyer Abreu flied out to center. Kristian Campbell doubled to right but Connor Wong struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                   First of the year for Trevor

Ryan Mountcastle flied out to right to start the bottom of the second but Ramon Laureano singled to right. Gary Sanchez popped up to first but Ramon Urias walked. Jorge Mateo forced Urias at second to end the inning.

Ceddanne Rafaela grounded out to second to start the top of the third before Duran grounded out to second. Devers grounded out to first to end the inning. Cedric Mullins grounded out to second to start the bottom of the third but Westburg singled to right. Rutschman hit a bullet to Abreu who doubled off Westburg at first to end the inning.

Bregman got a base hit to left to start the top of the fourth but was immediately picked off. Casas took strike three but Story got a base hit to right. Abreu hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. O'Neill took a questionable strike three call to start the bottom of the fourth but Mountcastle singled down the third base line. Laureano struck out swinging and Sanchez took strike three to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the fifth as Campbell doubled to right to start. Wong flied out to center but Rafaela dumped a base hit to center to score Kristian. Duran flied out to left but Devers got his first hit of the season with a double to right to score Rafaela. Bregman grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-0.

                                                       Guess who's back, back again

Urias struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fifth before Mateo flied out to center. Mullins struck out swinging to end the inning.

Mullins made a great catch to rob Casas of a hit to begin the top of the sixth and Story was gunned down at second trying to stretch a single to left. Abreu struck out swinging to end the inning. Westburg lined out to second to start the bottom of the sixth before Rutschman flied out to left. O'Neill flied out to center to end the inning.

Bryan Baker came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Campbell grounded out to short to start. Wong grounded out to short and Rafaela struck out swinging to end the inning. Mountcastle grounded out to third to start the bottom of the seventh before Laureano struck out swinging. Sanchez flied out to left to end the inning.

Gregory Soto came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Duran struck out swinging. Devers ripped a bee hit to center but Bregman struck out swinging. Casas got a base hit to center but Story struck out swinging to end the inning. Crochet returned for one final inning in the bottom of the eighth and Urias got a base hit to center to start. Mateo lined out to center and Mullins grounded into a double play to end the inning. Crochet was outstanding, tossing 8 innings of shutout ball allowing just 4 hits.

                                                          Outstanding job by Crochet

Cionel Perez came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Abreu walked to start. Campbell popped up to short but Wong drew a walk. Rafaela walked to load the bases but naturally Duran grounded into a double play to end the inning. Aroldis Chapman came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Westburg lined out to left to start. Rutschman walked but O'Neill was frozen for strike three. Mountcastle grounded out to second to end the game. The Sox had broken their losing streak with a 3-0 win.

                                                                   Sox win

Hero of The Night is Garrett Crochet. He tossed an 8 inning shutout allowing just 4 hits and a walk while striking out 8

                                                       Hero Crochet

The Good:

Rafael Devers was 2 for 4 with an rbi.

Trevor Story was 3 for 4 with a home run.

Kristian Campbell was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 1 for 3 with a walk, rbi and a run scored.

Aroldis Chapman earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Alex Bregman was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Triston Casas was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked.

Connor Wong was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked.

Final Thoughts:

That's a big monkey off the back of the Red Sox to get Devers going. Going 0 for 21 on the season so far is the main reason why they started 1-4 despite every game coming down to the final pitch. The offense still didn't do much tonight but Story getting his first home run and Rafaela driving in run was a good start. Connor Wong looks as lost as Devers done and the Kyle Teel trade is looming large as there's not many other options if Wong is back to normal after the year he had last year. Crochet lived up to his billing and dominated tonight, kudos to Alex Cora for letting him go rather than pull him after 5 or 6. Also kudos to Aroldis Chapman for his first Sox save. All in all the Sox took a step in the right direction and it led to a good win. The Sox look to make it two in a row against Baltimore in their final road game before the home opener at Fenway. Tanner Houck (0-1, 6.35 ERA) battles Charlie Morton of Baltimore tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 PM at Camden Yards.

Off-Day News: 2025 Portland Sea Dogs Preview (4/1/24)

Today's an off-day and we'll be looking at the Boston Red Sox's AA farm team the Portland Sea Dogs. Their season starts on Friday so let's take a look at who will be on the roster....provided nobody gets hurt in the next few days. Last year the Sea Dogs finished 78-60 and thanks to a ridiculous playoff format, they didn't make it to October. Its a new year so let's see if they can get over the chicanery.

                                                                RHP - David Sandlin

Portland's starting rotation begins with 24 year old right handed pitcher David Sandlin. Acquired just before spring training for John Schreiber, Sandlin was AWFUL for Greenville and Portland last year. He was 0-4 allowing 39 runs in 57 innings. He did battle a shoulder injury though but they essentially gave up Schreiber for a guy who's best year was in Single A back in 2023. Still, he can throw smoke, he just needs some movement on the smoke.

                                                                LHP - Connelly Early

Speaking of struggling starters, look no further than 22 year old (23 on the 3rd) left handed pitcher Connelly Early. He was drafted in the 5th round back in 2023 and pitched in just one game for Salem. Last year he was dreadful, going 3-9 between Greenville and Portland. Still, not everybody gets it right their first year so hopefully a junkballer like Early can harness control this season.

                                                                RHP - Jedixson Paez

Just like Luis Guerrero the last few years, the "sleeper" pitcher of the future might be 21 year old right hander Jedixson Paez. Signed as a Venezuelan teenager in 2021, Paez broke out in 2023 going 5-5 with a 3.31 ERA in 16 starts for Salem. Last year he went 5-4 between Salem and Greenville, making 12 starts combined. He's been under the radar the last two years but a strong showing in Portland this year would help his future.

                                                                 RHP - Yordanny Monegro

Paez isn't the only one under the radar, 22 year old right hander Yordanny Monegro was right there as well. Signed as a Dominican teenager, he broke out in 2023 going 4-3 between Salem and Greenville. Last year he went 6-2 with a 2.73 ERA in 14 starts for Greenville. Clearly he's mastered Single A pitching so starting the year in Portland will be the best thing for him. Hopefully he and Paez can be a 1-2 punch in the rotation if Early and Sandlin falter.

                                                               RHP - Blake Wehunt

Another guy who needs to prove something is 24 year old right handed pitcher Blake Wehunt. Drafted in the ninth round back in 2023, Wehunt started out last year well in Salem going 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA in 8 starts. After that it was all downhill as he went 1-7 between Greenville and Salem to end the season. It was his first real professional season so hopefully he has things figured out this season.

                                                              RHP - Tyler Uberstine

You got to feel for 25 year old right handed pitcher Tyler Uberstine. He was drafted in the 19th round back in 2021 and looked strong at the end of 2022 when he went 1-1 with a 2.43 ERA in 7 starts for Greenville. Disaster struck when he had Tommy John surgery in June of 2023 and only pitched in 3 games for Greenville to end the 2024 season. Still, in 2022 he pitched well and the end of last year he pitched well. If he can stay healthy this season, he might still make it to AAA or beyond.

                                                                  RHP - Yorvanny Cruz

Out of the bullpen will be 25 year old right handed pitcher Yorvanny Cruz. Yorvanny was drafted as a Dominican teenager by the Chicago Cubs in 2017 and never got above single A until last year. He went 1-2 with a 4.55 ERA for the San Antonio Missions in 23 games. He was signed as a minor league free agent in January and can throw gas, he just doesn't know where its going. If he learned control, he could be deadly.

                                                                RHP - Jacob Webb

For a while it looked like 26 year old right handed pitcher Jacob Webb would be the first of the class of 2021 to make the majors. He allowed 2 runs in 12 innings to end the 2021 season and ended 2022 in Portland after strong showings in Salem and Greenville previously. Then it all fell apart as he went 8-3 but with a 5.03 ERA in 2023 and 10-3 with a 4.28 ERA with Portland. He ended last year allowing 8 runs in 3 2/3 innings for Worcester as both Luis Guerrero and Niko Kavadas made their ML debuts. Time's running out for Webb to get his act together as the class of 2024 were nothing but pitchers. If he can't get the job done, someone else will.

                                                                 RHP - Christopher Troye

Speaking of time running out, 26 year old right handed pitcher Christopher Troye is in the same boat as Webb. Taken in the 12th round in 2021, Troye looked like had it figured out with a strong 2023 between Greenville and Portland going 2-0. Last year he was perfectly mediocre out of the bullpen for Portland going 2-2 with a 4.60 ERA in 28 appearances. Just like with Webb, if he can't get the job done...the class of 2024 awaits.

                                                                   RHP - Alex Hoppe

To complete the tri-fecta, 26 year old right handed pitcher Alex Hoppe is also struggling along with the other two previously mentioned. Drafted in the 6th round back in 2022, Hoppe was 2-5 with an ERA over 4 between Greenville and Portland in 2023 and was dreadful in 2024, going 4-5 with a 5.43 ERA for Portland. If he's having this much trouble getting AA guys out, it might be time to cut the chord unless he figures it out quick.

                                                             LHP - Brendan Cellucci

One of the last of the Lowell Spinners, 26 year old left handed pitcher Brendan Cellucci is at a cross-roads. Also one of the last Dave Dombrowski draft picks, he's spent the last 3 seasons with Portland and has been mediocre at best. He finally got a call to Worcester last year and allowed 10 runs in 6 innings. If AA is the highest he's going to go, there will be plenty of other pitchers from the class of 2024 and incoming 2025 to take his place.

                                                               RHP - Gabriel Jackson

Its go-time for 23 year old right handed pitcher Gabriel Jackson. Signed as a Dominican teenager in 2017, he went 8-2 with a 4.89 ERA for Greenville last year. He did have a cup of coffee with Portland last year so he'll be in the bullpen to start the season. He can hit 96 on the gun but his specialty is a sinker, a good defense would help.

                                                                 RHP - Reidis Sena

Just like Gabriel Jackson, 23 year old (24 on the 7th) Reidis Sena was drafted as a Dominican teenager. Unfortunately his 2020 season was cancelled and his development was delayed for a year. Last year he started out strong with Greenville going 6-4 with a 3.56 ERA in 28 games but flopped in Portland by allowing 10 runs in 11 1/3 innings. It was his first season in Portland so let's see how he does moving forward this year.

                                                                  RHP - Jack Anderson

The Sox picked up 25 year old right handed pitcher Jack Anderson in the Rule 5 draft this past off-season. He was drafted in the 16th round by the Detroit Tigers one slot before the Sox took BJ Vela in the 2021 draft. He was 3-1 with a 2.92 ERA for the West Michigan Hubcaps but struggled for the Toledo Mudhens going 2-0 but with a 5.82 ERA. Still, if he pitched well in AA last year, he might do it again this year. At least the Sea Dogs can look forward to that.

                                                                  RHP - Zach Bryant

26 year old right handed pitcher Zach Bryant is at a career crossroads for sure. Traded to the Sox in February of 2021 by the Chicago Cubs, Bryant was 1-4 with a 7.64 ERA for Portland in 2022. Tommy John surgery wiped out his 2023 and most of 2024. He did go 4-1 with a 4.82 ERA in 19 games, but he's going to have to do better than that if he hopes to make Worcester. Chaim Bloom's trades for prospects haven't really worked out and this might just be another one.

                                                              RHP - Jonathan Brand

While not exactly dire straits like others on this list, 25 year old right handed pitcher Jonathan Brand also has to step up this year as well. He was taken in the 8th round back in 2022 and had a strong 2023 for Salem, going 4-2 with a 2.58 ERA. Last year he struggled in Portland going 2-3 with a 4.67 ERA but it was his first year in Portland. Maybe AA is his ceiling, maybe not, but he'll have this year to figure it out.

                                                                 RHP - Wyatt Olds

If there was ever a case of "now or never" its 25 year old right handed pitcher Wyatt Olds. Through no fault of his own, he was taken in the 7th round back in 2021 by Chaim Bloom after a terrible season at Oklahoma University. He pitched just as bad in the pros so far, culminating in going 3-2 but with an 8.39 ERA in 17 games with Worcester. Ironically he does have one thing going for him. Its one thing to flame out after being highly touted, its another thing to stink in college and fight your way to AAA. Maybe he can turn it around this year, otherwise, what was anyone expecting?

                                                            RHP - CJ Liu

Another guy on the list with something to prove is 25 year old right handed pitcher CJ Liu. He was signed out of Taiwan following the 2019 season and has struggled ever since. He was 7-8 with a 5.35 ERA in 24 starts for the Sea Dogs in 2023 and pitched in only 7 games in 2024 due to a bad arm injury. He'll be starting the season in the injured list as well, maybe a bum shoulder caused his mediocre 2023. Time will tell.

                                                                RHP - Caleb Bolden

Speaking of guys who sucked in college, 26 year old right handed pitcher Caleb Bolden was drafted in the 7th round back in 2022 after allowing 28 runs in 39 innings for Texas Christian University. He did have some measure of success last year going 1-2 with a 3.88 ERA in 10 starts with the Sea Dogs. He hadn't started a game since college so trying him as a starter might have worked. Let's see how he does in 2025.

                                                                  C - Ronald Rosario

Portland's starting catcher will be 22 year old right handed hitting Ronald Rosario. Signed as a Venezuelan teenager in 2019, he hit .244 with 8 home runs with Greenville last year before being put on the development list in Portland for the rest of the year. He must have "developed" well because he's going to be the starter when the season gets started. 

                                                                     1B - Blaze Jordan

The good news is Portland's starting first baseman, 22 year old right handed hitting Blaze Jordan, finally showed the power he showed as a teenager. He went viral for hitting tape measure blasts as a youth and smacked 13 home runs between Greenville and Portland in 2024. He also drove in 92 runs between both levels and could be on the verge of a breakout season this year. Hopefully it happens.

                                                                   2B - Ahbram Liendo

Portland's starting second baseman is 21 year old switch hitter Ahbram Liendo. He was signed as a Dominican teenager and has been hot garbage at the plate since 2022. He hit .205 for Salem in 2023 and hit .196 for Greenville and .197 for Portland last year. He can field the ball, he just can't hit it. Still, defensive specialists do have a place in baseball so you never know where he might end up.

                                                               3B - Tyler Miller

This is a big year for Portland's starting third baseman, 25 year old lefty hitting Tyler Miller. He was taken in the 9th round back in 2021 and was all or nothing, hitting .219 but with 13 home runs for Salem in 2022. He hit .275 for Greenville last year before getting promoted to Portland where he hit .228 with one home run. If his power numbers are gone and he's not hitting for average, that's not good. With the Dominican kids and the class of 2023 and 2024 on their way, Miller better improve or he's had it.

                                                                   SS - Mikey Romero

One guy you won't have to worry about is 21 year old lefty hitting shortstop Mikey Romero. The first round pick in 2022 lived up to his billing hitting .349 in Salem. He flopped in 2023 in his first full pro season but turned it around in 2024. He battled injuries but manage to blast 16 home runs for Greenville and Portland to end the season. With Marcelo Mayer as the chosen one in AAA, there's no pressure for Romero to perform. He might use that to his advantage by having a good season this year.

                                                                 LF - Zach Ehrhard

Its always amusing to see a guy drafted by the same team twice, but it happened in the case of 22 year old outfielder Zach Ehrhard. He was drafted in the 13th round back in 2021 but chose to go to Oklahoma State. 3 years later, the Sox took him in the fourth round in last year's draft. He hit just .156 for Salem last year but could surprise everyone with a strong 2024.

                                                               CF - Jhostnyxon Garcia

Portland's starting centerfielder will be 22 year old right handed hitting Jhostnyxon Garcia. He was signed as a Venezuelan teenager and he broke out for the Greenville Drive last season. He hit .311 with 16 home runs before being promoted to Portland. He hit .263 with 2 home runs to finish the season with the Sea Dogs so let's see if he can have a good year this year as well.

                                                                  RF - Allan Castro

Portland's starting right fielder is 21 year old switch hitter Allan Castro. He was signed as a Dominican teenager in 2019 and ended 2023 on a high note in Greenville, hitting .283 with 4 home runs. He belted 14 for the Drive last year to earn a trip to Portland. He struggled, hitting .180 with just 1 home run in 28 games. Still, with a full season in Portland on the horizon, he may replicate what he did in Greenville this year.

                                                                  DH - Max Ferguson

This is an important season for Portland's designated hitter, 25 year old second baseman Max Ferguson. He was chosen by the San Diego Padres in the 5th round of the 2021 draft 24 picks after the Sox took Nathan Hickey. He came over in the trade that sent Jay Groome to San Diego for Corey Rosier and Eric Hosmer in 2022. He's been punchless ever since hitting .234 for Greenville and .083 for Worcester in 2023 and .159 and .100 for Worcester in 2024 despite missing much of the season with an ankle injury. He's shown he can't hit at all so its put up or shut up for him.

                                                               INF - Karson Simas

Speaking of guys that can't hit, here's 23 year old utility infielder Karson Simas. He's one of the last of the Dave Dombrowski draft picks as he was picked in the 25th round back in 2019. He hit .190 for Greenville in 2023, then hit .188 in Greenville and .152 in Portland last year. Somehow he hit .268 for Worcester to end the season so maybe things are looking up. Otherwise, there will be plenty of others than can hit and field better than him.

                                                              INF - Luis Ravelo

In keeping with the theme of guys that can't hit, this includes 21 year old infielder Luis Ravelo. He was signed as a Dominican teenager in 2021 and hit .217 in Salem in 2023. Last year he hit .225 for Greenville and .205 in Portland to end the season. He may make it on his glove but he definitely won't make it on his bat.

                                                                UTL - Drew Ehrhard

Last but not least is 26 year old utility player Drew Ehrhard. Zach's older brother was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2023 and played just 27 games for Greenville and Portland to end the 2024 season. Not since the Basabe twins have the Sox had a pair of brothers in the organization so would be cool to see the Ehrhard brothers do well.

That's going to do it for this year's Portland roster. They have some touted prospects with Mikey Romero, Blaze Jordan and Connelly Early but other than that, this is the dregs of the Chaim Bloom years (sprinkled with Dave Dombrowski Dominican signings). If the classes of 2021-23 don't produce much, hopefully 2024 and 2025 will. If Portland struggles this year, just have to survive through it.