FORT MYERS-. From Pedro Martínez to Curt Schilling, through Josh Becket and Chris Sale, the Red Sox They always had a renowned starter, in the 15-year period in which they won the title four times. World Series.
Now, they have been last in the American League East in three of the last four years. And in the break before the next campaign, they did not incorporate a single valued arm into their ranks.
Boston has many options, but none of them look like an ace who will clearly start the season opener.
“It’s true, we don’t have that big name,” 27-year-old right-hander Kutter Crawford acknowledged Friday.
Crawford went 6-7 with a 4.51 ERA in 23 starts. He also made eight relief appearances.
“I think it’s an exciting time. We are practically hungry to go out and show the world that even without that well-known name, we are the ones who can earn a name for ourselves,” she considered.
The Red Sox entered the offseason with some holes. None looked bigger than that of an ace on the mound, capable of eating up innings and reducing the load on a bullpen that seemed overwhelmed by overwork for most of last season.
“If you look at the history of the Red Sox, when they have been really good, the rotation has been the support of the pitching staff,” said Puerto Rican manager Alex Cora. “It happened in 2004, when they traded to get Curt — him and Pedro — and the rest of the guys loaded up the pitching staff.
“In 2007, we had Josh and the rotation carried the team,” Cora continued. “In 2013, the veterans carried the team and the same thing happened in 2018 and 2021.”
This year, Cora has a simple message for the starters: They need to improve.
“We can talk about the bullpen and all that,” he said. “You can’t rely on the bullpen all the time. Someone needs to step up and go six, seven innings or more from time to time… You need five guys who can pick up the slack and keep going, and then the bullpen can take over.”
The list of candidates is varied with the rights: the Dominican Brayan Bello, 22, showed promise last season, and also in the fight for a position are Nick Pivetta, 31, Tanner Houck, 27, Garrett Whitlock, 27, and Lucas Giolitto, 29, acquired as a free agent in the offseason. We must add Crawford and Josh Winckowski, 25.
But none is a reputed ace.
Source: AP
