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Red Sox Nation 10/4: Porcello Prepared, Kimbrel Concerns and More

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Sep 19, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Boston Red Sox prepare to take on the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS, pitching is the primary concern in how far this team can go.

The Red Sox certainly have the offense to go far in this year’s playoffs, but do they have the pitching?  With the starting rotation set for the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians, one pitcher the team is not concerned about is Rick Porcello

On Sunday, Red Sox manager John Farrell announced that the 22-game winner will get the start Game 1 in the series against Cleveland.  He will be followed by David Price, Clay Buchholz and Eduardo Rodriguez.

In earning the nod, Porcello has showcased a consistency and reliability worthy of number one pitcher status, but is he ready to lead the team and set a tone the rest of the rotation will be inspired to follow?

"“It’s nothing too crazy. I figured I was pitching in one of those games,” Porcello said on Sunday via the Boston Globe. “Whatever game it is, it’s a big game . . . I’m looking forward to the opportunity and having a good start for us.”"

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Porcello is 22-4 on the season with a 3.15 ERA this season, but importantly he has historically fared well against the Indians at Progressive field.  In 12 starts he is 5-3 with a 2.84 ERA.

Kimbrel Concerns: Even if the starters are solid, the back end of the bullpen has to be just as reliable, mainly Craig Kimbrel.  The closer has been a bit wild in the last few games of the season.  In fact, he has given up six runs on two hits and six walks over his last four appearances.  That type of wildness will not hold up in the playoffs.  While bad habits and mechanics have been diagnosed as the main problems, Kimbrel promises to regain his control in time for the big games.

"“I’ll get it squared away. You don’t have to worry about that,” said Kimbrel"

Hopefully this will be the case or else Red Sox Nation will be sweating on their couches or bar stools whenever Kimbrel enters a game.

Hanley on third: If the Red Sox reach the World Series, one concern will be how to get both David Ortiz and Hanley Ramirez in the lineup when the team plays in National League parks.  One solution is to move Ramirez to third base and put Ortiz in at first.  This could weaken the Red Sox defensively, but Ramirez does have experience playing that side of the diamond and should be able to adapt if the situation was to arise.

A sure Bett(s): Following an MVP-type regular season, Mookie Betts is ready to prove he can deliver in the post season as well.  It will be his first playoff action in the major leagues and his approach is to just continue to play like the team has been playing throughout the season.

"“The season’s over with now,” Betts said on “Red Sox Final” after Sunday’s loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. “We’re in the playoffs, and anything can happen now. Just continue to play the game we’ve been playing.”"

Next: Red Sox Have Edge in ALDS

The Red Sox-Indians series opens in Cleveland on Thursday night at 8pm.  Keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions for more schedule details for the ALDS series.

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