Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

Your Morning Dump...where the Sox are having a Ball

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Sure, the Red Sox are "having a ball" following last night's walk-off win, but the front office has reason to celebrate too after drafting high-school LHP Trey Ball.

The Red Sox used their highest draft pick in 20 years on high school left-hander Trey Ball.

The 6-foot-6 Ball, who comes out of New Castle Chrysler (Ind.) High School, located approximately an hour east of Indianapolis, was selected No. 7 overall in the amateut baseball draft last night. In his senior season, he hit 10 home runs to go along with a 6-0 pitching record and 0.76 ERA.

Ball, the Gatorade Indiana Baseball Player of the Year, has a commitment to play in college for the University of Texas. In a conference call, the 18-year-old (he turns 19 on June 27) indicated he was ready to turn pro and pitch for the Red Sox.

“Growing up, I always did two-way, so I was open-minded to anything, but coming on the gun this year, this spring, my pitching came out strongest this year, and that’s what took off this year for me,” said Ball. “Right now, it’s still open. We haven’t shut the door on anything. But it’s the best fit for me and my family. Anything can happen, but I feel that Boston is right for me.”

Herald: Red Sox play Ball, draft high school lefty

Very interesting pick by the Red Sox. Ball has served a solid two-way player, as he has been valuable bat in his lineup in addition to his pitching.

The Red Sox have gone down this road before. Remember two-way player phenom Casey Kelly? As we all know, Kelly was shipped to the Padres in exchange for 1B Adrian Gonzalez. (Kelly still in the minors, 23-years old). Luckily, it looks as if Ball has committed to pitching for his future professional baseball career.

The last high school lefty to be drafted by the Sox was last night's starter, Jon Lester. Ball's fastball tops out at 94 mph and also has an above average curveball, as well as a change-up.

I was almost certain the Red Sox would draft a bat last night with their first-round pick, 7th overall. I mean, when's the last time the Sox developed a power bat? Mo Vaughn? Trot Nixon? Doesn't it seem like they have enough young pitching? I guess the old adage is true: you can never have too much pitching.

Rest of the links:

Globe: Ortiz hits walkoff home run to lift Red Sox | Globe: Mike Carp swinging hot bat for Sox | Globe: Red Sox prospect Michael Almanzar starting to deliver on potential | Globe: Red Sox take pitcher Trey Ball with 7th pick of draft | Herald: David Ortiz offers a flashback | Herald: Jonny Gomes sets the stage | Herald: Lefty Jon Lester proves better late | Herald: Felix Doubront turns things around in rotation | Herald: Family affair: Stephen Drew recalls draft memories for himself, brothers

Your Morning Dump... Where decision time on Bard is near

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Cherington suggested that right-hander Daniel Bard has made discernible progress in his return from a dreadful year in 2012. Still, he noted that there is further room for improvement as he tries to regain the form that made him one of the most dominant relievers in the game from 2009-11.

“[Bard is] a lot further ahead than where he ended the season,” said Cherington. “Probably still not all the way to where he wants to be, but sort of in the range of possibilities, he’s a lot closer to where he wants to be than where he was struggling last year.”

Asked about the looming decision about whether to open the year with Bard in the majors or to send him to Triple-A — an option that might gain further credence from the fact that he has minor league options remaining — Cherington did not tip his hand.

“We started this spring with a lot of options in the bullpen,” said Cherington. “It looks like [left-handers Craig Breslow and Franklin Morales] will probably be a little bit slow out of the gate. I think as I’ve said before, this stuff tends to work itself out as time goes by. Our hope was that we had enough depth of good arms that by opening day we’ll have a lot of good options in the ‘pen. We just have to see where we get to next week.”

WEEI - Ben Cherington on Daniel Bard, Jose Iglesias, rotation depth and roster decisions

Having an effective Daniel Bard could quite possibly take this bullpen from good to invincible.  We already know what  type of impact he can have when he's firing those 98 MPH fastballs.  It wasn't that long ago we wanted to run Papelbon out of town and hand his job over to Bard.

And then, well, we all know what happened next.  Converted starter.  Lost velocity.  Lost location.  Turned into a head case.  Became a terrible pitcher who needs to be built back up.  Thankfully, it looks like the building is way ahead of schedule, needing just a single offseason.

But the real test, as always, is when the games count.  He's looked solid, if not spectacular this spring over 6 innings pitched.  He has walked 3 batters and allowed 3 runs, but he's also struck out 7 and has a tidy 1.17 WHIP.  But sample size is everything here, and 6 innings isn't enough to give Bard the green light to start the year with Boston.

Unless injuries force his hand (which is a real possibility) I can't see Cherington keeping Bard up with Boston on Opening Day.  Put him in Pawtucket.  Let him throw a handful of high-pressure late innings.  Let's see how he responds.  Let's see if he can reach back and fling those crazy fastballs we've missed so much.  Let the guy keep building his confidence. 

There's no downside to having him hang out in AAA a while longer.  There is a downside in having him get rocked with Boston.  There's only so many times a guy can bounce back from that.

Rest of the links:

Herald - Red Sox must ponder three criteria before promoting Jackie Bradley Jr. | Buckley: Andrew Miller set for key bullpen role | Stephen Drew’s mind clear | WEEI - Drew cleared to start baseball activity | A world of difference in a year: Why Daniel Nava does not take 2013 for granted | CSNNE - Tomase: Expecations from Lackey, Buchholz | Notes: Ortiz unlikely for Opening Day | Globe - John Lackey continues his strong comeback | Bench starting to come into focus for Red Sox

Your Morning Dump... where Cherington isn't panicking about the team.

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

“We’re feeling good about the group we have here,” the general manager told the Herald yesterday. “You always want to be 100 percent healthy, and we are not 100 percent healthy. But the (injuries) we have going on are things that guys will recover from, and there have been a lot of other encouraging things in camp.”

To name two, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz have combined to yield only three runs in 331⁄3 innings and more closely resemble their All-Star track records than the punching bags who so often let the Red Sox down last season. And there’s prized outfield prospect Jackie Bradley Jr., who recorded his 19th and 20th hits of the spring here yesterday against the New York Yankees to hike his average to .444.

None of this distracts from the Sox’ problems, namely that Ortiz remains hobbled by two aching heels and that replacing his middle-of-the-order power is impossible. Veteran shortstop Stephen Drew is coping with lingering concussion symptoms, and with relievers Craig Breslow and Franklin Morales slowed by shoulder and back injuries, respectively, Andrew Miller is the lone lefty in the bullpen.

 Herald: Cherington won't panic

There shouldn't be much panic for Cherington. The team has looked pretty good in Spring, particularly the pitching, and the only big blow the Sox have been given is the loss of David Ortiz. While his bat will surely be missed, the team has plenty of options to put in that DH role and no Jackie Bradley Jr. isn't one of them.

Yes, JB Jr. everything we hoped and dreamt about as a prospect but if we put on our shrewd businessman caps for a second, we can have postpone his free agency for another year if he stays in the minors for 11 days. That's it. I've harped on this before but now that I have found the concrete number.thanks to Rich Levine's article, it makes that much more sense. We can wait eleven days.

The main options for DH are going to be  Mike Napoli & Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Napoli is preffered if the Sox want to have good defense at first and take it easy with his hip. On the flipside if the Sox want to play David Ross a bit more behind the plate, they can plug Salty's bat in the lineup. 

The bullpen situation isn't so bad either. Scott Lauber mentions Koji Uehara would get more time against lefties since he is filthy against them. I've already written about my excitement for him a few times, so i'll spare you the love song again but i'll just leave his righty/lefty splits here.  

Everything is panning out pretty well thus far, let's just hope it stays that way.

Rest of the Links: Globe: Lineup in order | A few concerns | Herald: Not much left for Bradley to do | Bogaerts' banner day | A different game for Victorino | CSNNE: Yankees in a hole | Bradley Jr. making it difficult on Red Sox | Doubront happy with adjustment after rocky outing |WEEI: Why Bradley Jr's youth doesn't scare the Red Sox | Remy: "I just don't mail games in" | Bogaerts: WBC pitching 'better than' expected

Keith Law publishes top 50 prospects list: Who might interest the Red Sox?

ESPN's baseball prospect analyst Keith Law has come out with his top 50 prospects for the 2013 MLB draft (Insider). The Red Sox will draft 7th this year, the highest they've drafted this century. Law notes that his list is not a mock draft as he hasn't matched up team needs and strategies, so this is merely the equivalent of the "Big Board" you'll see for other sports.

I took a look through SoxProspects' draft history page to try to spot some trends in the Sox' high draft picks. Last year, the team's only draft under Ben Cherington, four of its top five picks -- including all three first rounders -- were out of college, and four out of five were pitchers. In the last three years, the team kept up its college-first focus, with eight of 10 first rounders being collegiate players, although the team took more chances on high schoolers in the second and third rounds.

Organizational needs change from year to year, so it's essentially impossible to say the Sox will be more interested in a pitcher or a position player; if they're smart (and I believe they are), they'll take the best talent available and figure it out later. Law only has two collegiate position players in his top 29, so unless Cherington wants to roll the dice on a high schooler, at this time a pitcher seems more likely.

All that said, here are a few prospects near the 7-spot in Law's list that might be of interest to the Sox, along with a comment from Law and some totally baseless thoughts of my own.

4. Ryne Stanek (RHP - Arkansas): "Stanek has been up to 96-97 again this spring and misses a lot of bats, although his heavy reliance on the slider is a concern for when he heads into pro ball."

Hard thrower who relies on a slider (perhaps too much) sounds like future closer to me... I might steer clear. Needless to say, the Sox will be looking for starters if they want a pitcher at no. 7.

5. Austin Wilson (OF - Stanford): "Wilson suffered a stress reaction in his elbow in the first weekend of the season and hasn't played since, although he should be back by the time Stanford begins conference play. He remains the draft's best shot for a complete position player from the college ranks, someone who can hit, hit for power, and provide value on defense."

If it's a pitching-heavy draft and Wilson is the Sox' only shot at a potential impact bat in the draft, maybe they jump on him if he slips to 7. 

8. Jonathan Gray (RHP - Oklahoma): "Gray was 92-97 when I saw him on opening weekend and was 94-98, touching 100, last weekend, with a plus slider. He was drafted twice before, by the Royals (13th round out of junior college) and Yankees (10th round as a draft-eligible sophomore), but cleaned his body up this year right in time to enter the draft again and become a first-rounder."

I think Gray's one to keep an eye on. Sounds like he's growing into his body, and there's no cautionary note about him relying too much on one pitch.

11. Trey Ball (LHP - HS): "A highly projectable, athletic two-way player, Ball won't get his first game action of the spring until his season opens on March 25."

I'm mentioning Ball because the Red Sox have rolled the dice on an athletic two-way player before -- Casey Kelly -- and it worked out very well for them (in the sense that they developed him and then used him as a chip to get Adrian Gonzalez; he's about to go under the knife for season-ending surgery, so his career hasn't really worked out). 

15. Ryan Eades (RHP - LSU): "Eades' combination of above-average velocity and a potential out pitch in the curveball, along with a history of success in the SEC, has him solidly in the first round, but can't get him the Friday night slot at LSU, which has been usurped by sophomore Aaron Nola."

Anthony Ranaudo hasn't really worked out, but maybe the Sox will look to LSU again. I'm always interested in these situations where a big prospect isn't even the best player at his position on his collegiate team -- will he be motivated by the internal competition, or is it a sign that maybe there isn't much of a ceiling?

Obviously, it's all very early, and also obviously, I couldn't pick any of these kids out of a two-person lineup. But it's always fun to become arbitrarily attached to prospects based on a sentence or two from an analyst. 

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Your Morning Dump...where it's Aceves being Aceves

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Aceves, who devoted the 2012 season to showing up one-and-done manager Bobby Valentine, is already disrespecting new manager John Farrell and his coaching staff. During a workout on one of the practice fields behind JetBlue Park yesterday, Aceves was supposed to throw “live batting practice,” except that his tosses were so lifeless that Farrell approached the right-hander to ask if everything was OK.

Aceves eventually applied some giddy-up to his pitches, but only after a discussion in Spanish with new pitching coach Juan Nieves.

Hmm . . . don’t you have to change pitchers after two trips to the mound? Even during live batting practice?

Answer: Yes. The Red Sox need to change pitchers. In this case, they need to change Alfredo Aceves from their problem to somebody else’s, the sooner the better. Until then, it’s hard to buy into the “162 Chances to Restore the Faith” ad campaign the Red Sox are rolling out.

Herald | Despite versatility, it's time for Alfredo Aceves to go

I'm a little torn on Aceves. On the one hand, he is a talented player and he makes very little money. He's an asset. On a team with a questionable level of talent, it's a little hard to justify unloading somebody who is good and has something to offer just to not have to put up with a headache.

On the other hand...we've all seen what can happen when things go south in the clubhouse. Make what you will of last year's off-the-field issues and how much they carried over to the diamond. But no one can say that the off-the-field element improved the on-the-field product. And while we've put up with headaches in the past, it was easier to handle when they came in the form of future Hall of Fame hitting prodigies.

From a timing standpoint, though, this might offer the organization a chance to show the team that they believe in John Farrell, and that distractions won't be tolerated. It's at the very least a conversation that Farrell and Ben Cherington are having.

Let's assume this all blows over and Aceves sticks around (by far the most likely scenario, even though in the media it's being treated like a five-alarm fire). The bullpen does looked pretty stacked, and barring major injury or underperformance issues, there should be an opportunity to trade one of them at some point in the season. Hanrahan, Bailey, Bard, Uehara, Tazawa, and Aceves have all been very productive pitchers in some form or fashion.

Holding on to Aceves now through a relatively minor transgression allows Cherington the opportunity to be flexible and see how the season pans out. If Tazawa and Bailey have injury problems and Bard can't get back to what he was, all of a sudden the bullpen looks a little thinner. Or what if Hanrahan can't handle the transition to the AL East? Or Uehara realizes he's 4,000 years old? The depth Aceves provides -- and not in terms of flexibility between starting and relieving, more in terms of being insurance for what should be a strength of the team -- is an asset.

And if everything is working out by the summer? By all means, ship him out.

Herald | First Will and testament | Ross not sour on Salty | ESPNBoston | Still testing the limits? | Napoli participates in fielding practice | Wakefield to work with Wright | Today's takeaways: So far, so good | Globe | Alfredo Aceves earns a lecture from Red Sox manager John Farrell | Red Sox get creative in the infield | CSNNE | Farrell gets first test from mercurial Aceves | Iglesias focused on improving ... not a roster spot 

Your Morning Dump...where it's semi-officially baseball season

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

With apologies to hockey and basketball, football is behind us, which means we can really focus on baseball season. The local sports media focuses it's coverage about 90% on the Patriots during football season, so knocking that down to whatever-it-is-in-the-offseason allows us a bit more insight into what's happening on the diamond.

Gordon Edes has well timed his "5 Questions" serious, kicking it off today with a question about John Farrell's impact, and he brings up an interesting point:

There may be an element of truth in what Valentine said, that any manager replacing the popular Terry Francona would have encountered resistance from a team still reeling from its collapse the previous September and bombarded by stories questioning its character and commitment, leaving it wary and defensive. But if Valentine had to deal with a perfect storm of dissolution, the circumstances awaiting Farrell may be ideal for a team united in a desire to erase bitter memories. 

Farrell won’t have the trust issues that plagued Valentine, not with his coaches, players or front office. He understands the territory, having been a pitching coach here for four seasons, so he knows how to navigate the minefields into which Valentine often willingly lurched. The fan base appears supportive, although there may be a wait-and-see aspect to how quickly the fans embrace Farrell as a curative. 

It's an interesting thought -- and probably pretty accurate. It's very difficult to imagine this year going worst than last. And 2012 had Bobby V's imprint on it so strongly that I have to think Farrell will be given plenty of leeway with how 2013 unfolds.

I like Farrell, and I think he'll do well here. The biggest issue with Bobby V wasn't in-game strategy or preparation, it was communication. He didn't communicate well with his coaches, who hated him, his players, who mocked him, and the front office, with whom he had several known disagreements, and probably many more behind the scenes. Farrell and Ben Cherington appear -- at least at the outset -- more on the same page about what it takes to win. Now we'll see how long it takes the club to get there.

Herald | Gauging the 2013 Red Sox and fan expectations | Points of interest in Florida 

Image: Sullivan Tire

Your Morning Dump...where Lyle Overbay enters the mix

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

"The Red Sox reached an agreement with veteran first baseman Lyle Overbay on a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training, a source told the Herald. If Overbay is not added to the 25-man major league roster before Opening Day, he may opt out of the contract and sign with another team.

At a minimum, Overbay could potentially offer protection for the Red Sox in case Napoli begins experiencing problems related to avascular necrosis, a disease that results in deterioration and possible death of a bone in the hip caused by a lack of blood flow. But the 36-year-old also could serve as a left-handed bat off the bench and a late-inning defensive replacement for Napoli."

Herald: Minor deal, major role for Overbay

As we noted yesterday, the Red Sox and Lyle Overbay agreed to a minor league deal, launching him into the mix at first base.

Overbay has bounced around with five different teams: Arizona (two-stints), Milwaukee, Toronto, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. This may be a minor league deal, but the 36-year-old is a likely candidate to make the team serving as a left-handed option off the Red Sox bench. Overbay is also a decent defensive replacement at 1B, especially for Mike Napoli, providing further value.

Clearly, the Red Sox are concerned about their first-base depth in bringing in Overbay and reportedly receiving a three-way trade offer from Miami to acquire 1B Chris Coghlan. Don't be suprised if GM Ben Cherington continues to bring in some more candidates to compete for the back-up behind Napoli.

The rest of the links:

Projo: There's depth behind the plate | NESN: Red Sox received offer for Chris Coghlan | Globe: Spring training preview (Catchers and DH)

 

Welcome back: Pedro returns as a Special Assistant to the GM

Legendary Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez is returning to the Boston Red Sox...this time in a Front Office role.

Pedro Martinez is coming back to the Red Sox as a special assistant to general manager Ben Cherington.

The club announced Thursday that their former icon -- considered by some to be the best pitcher in Red Sox history -- is coming back.

“We are very excited to have Pedro on board with us and back in the Red Sox organization,” said Cherington. “He was one of the game’s most dominant pitchers and without a doubt a beloved figure in Red Sox history. Similar to former teammate Jason Varitek, who joined the baseball operations staff in September, Pedro will be involved in several areas, including the evaluation, mentorship and instruction of young players in Spring Training and throughout the season.”

MLB.com was first to report in early November that the Red Sox had a position waiting for Martinez whenever he wanted to accept it.

“I am thrilled to be returning to this organization and to the city I love,” Martinez said. “Ben Cherington’s meetings this week have been outstanding. It is an honor to be back with the Red Sox and help in any way I can. I am grateful to our leaders; I believe in them, and I thank them for allowing me to return to the field and help us win again. My heart will always live in Boston.”

RedSox.com

First Varitek, now Martinez. What's next? Manny Ramirez to be named Traveling Secretary? You also gotta wonder if Pedro may pull a Dwight Schrute and complain about being special assistant TO THE general manager.

In all seriousness, this is a fantastic move for the Red Sox front office and their scouting department. If anyone knows pitching, it's Pedro. Go back and look at his career stats. It's incredible. He had seven consecutive seasons in Boston ('97-'03) with an ERA under 3.00. Oh by the way, he did it with needles sticking out of every batter's butt cheeks.

Given the latest drama with Terry Francona admiting in his book that this ownership group is strictly concerned about the club's image, one can't help but wonder if this may be another "sexy" move. But my gut is saying this is a phenomenal move for the future of this organization. One guy who may be very happy is Rubby De La Rosa, who has known Martinez for quite sometime now.

Let's hope Pedro tosses Lucchino aside when he charges at Ben for not making hip and sexy acquistions.

 

 

Your Morning Dump... Where arbitration is boring and stupid

This image from duhaime.org is way cooler than any of these one-year deals

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The Red Sox reached agreements with all but one of their arbitration eligible players today.

On the heels of agreements with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia ($4.5 million on Thursday) and Jacoby Ellsbury ($9 million earlier today), the Sox also avoided arbitration with the following:

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  • Right-hander Alfredo Aceves ($2.65 million)
  • Right-hander Andrew Bailey ($4.1 million)
  • Right-hander Daniel Bard ($1.8625 million)
  • Right-hander Joel Hanrahan ($7.04 million)
  • Left-hander Andrew Miller ($1.475 million)
  • Left-hander Franklin Morales ($1.4875 million)

That leaves only left-hander Craig Breslow, who filed at $2.375 million, while the Sox countered at $2.325 million. That's only a difference of $50,000, which means the Sox are all but guaranteed of maintaining their streak of avoiding arbitration hearings. Their last hearing came in 2002, when they beat Rolando Arrojo.

Herald - Red Sox avoid arbitration with everyone except Breslow

I was never one to get myself worked up over arbitration.  I know that some people are highly interested it in, but not me.  It lets baseball grab a headline or two in the middle of winter, but that's about it.  The whole 'drama' around it is absurd. 

Will the Red Sox have to pay Craig Breslow the extra $50,000 he's asking?  Can they sort it out before someone else makes the decision for them?  Stay tuned!

*Yawn*

And the Sox streak of avoiding arbitration is just as silly.  I could rattle off five made-up reasons why it matters, but that would all be nonsense.  The Sox and their players are able to come to mutually-agreeable terms on their own, without someone forcing them to.  That's all it means.  No reason to hold a parade.

Arbitration is one of those things that makes baseball 'unique' in the American sports landscape.  It's also stupid.  But with the way baseball is set-up, there's probably not a better way.  At least not for players whose talent and production elevate quickly. Slightly imperfect, but very fair.

Next year, around the same time, we'll do this same dance.  We'll applaud the Red Sox for avoiding hearings.  We'll be taken aback that player X got a million dollar raise.  And then we'll go back to our regular lives, because those guys who are arbitration-eligible were always going to be playing for the Sox the following year anyway.  Regardless of any of this.

Rest of the links:

Herald - Jacoby Ellsbury takes the $9M | ESPN - Red Sox avoid arbitration drama | WEEI - Shane Victorino discusses Manti Te’o situation, playing in World Baseball Classic | CSNNE - Full rotation makes Sox a 'tough sell' to veterans | Sox nearly done with arbitration to-do list | Globe - Red Sox sign Jacoby Ellsbury, six others to one-year deals

Your Morning Dump...where Cherington acknowledges the clubhouse culture

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

“The thing this winter that we realized is, look, we kind of hit bottom last year,” general manager Ben Cherington said at the Hot Stove roundtable over the weekend. “When you hit bottom in a place like Boston and you’re trying to rebuild something on and off the field, you’re going to have a lot of attention on it. If you’re building something in that environment where you know there’s going to be scrutiny, we’d like to have people involved we can feel confident can get through those tough days, battle through it and pick each other up.”

One of the misconceptions about last year’s Red Sox was the clubhouse was poisoned with a bad mix of players and coaches.

The reality was the toxicity was a virtually united front among players and coaches against manager Bobby Valentine. Players last year got along very well and worked very well with each other. Playing well was a different story and, ultimately, the most important story there is to tell.

Herald | Red Sox make good mix a priority

The seeming contradictions in those paragraphs are exactly what makes defining and building a good clubhouse culture so different.

It's not just having the guys like each other -- by all accounts the teammates got along both of the last two years.

It's not just having a manager you like -- the players, for the most part, loved playing for Terry Francona. They hated Bobby Valentine. Neither year was a success.

It's some weird amalgammation of all these things. But the number one ingredient for a happy clubhouse is good performance on the field. You don't often see stories about dysfunction and bickering with teams that are going to the playoffs. Maybe small issues here and there, but not the crippling ones we saw here in 2012.

I think we can all agree that it was good to get Bobby V out of town, and also to bring in a couple of new faces and personalities to -- if not lighten -- change the mood from last year. The team is probably still several players away from being a legitimate contender, but they're on their way. And this team should be easier to tolerate than the last.

ESPNBoston | Doc Rivers inspires Jackie Bradley, Jr.