Boston Red Sox: Predicting the Opening Day Lineup and Roster
The Boston Red Sox season will begin in 10 days, on April 3rd. This should be the Opening Day 25-man roster when play begins at Fenway Park.
The Boston Red Sox truck left Fort Meyers Wednesday loaded with bats, balls, and uniforms. It’s headed north as the Sox are nearing the end of Spring Training.
Fans and players alike are surely anxious for the 2017 MLB season to begin. The Red Sox are among the favorites to win the World Series this year, even without David Ortiz in the lineup.
The Red Sox seem to have the makings of a powerhouse team for years to come. 2017 provides their first big test.
The killer B’s, Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Andrew Benintendi all have high expectations among the media and fans. Chris Sale will look to dominate in Boston. Dustin Pedroia will seek to improve upon his Boston legacy.
This is a super team, and they should be playing into October. Anything short of a World Series appearance will be a disappointment.
With all this said, the Red Sox should roll out this 25-man roster for Opening Day against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Starting Lineup
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Andrew Benintendi, LF
Mookie Betts, RF
Hanley Ramirez, DH
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Mitch Moreland, 1B
Sandy Leon, C
This lineup has seemingly been set in stone for some time now. Hanley was clearly the heir to the Big Papi thrown at DH and the team brought in Moreland to take the 1B slot. The Red Sox believe Pablo Sandoval can bounce back. Worst case scenario, he’s sent to AAA and Brock Holt or another utility infielder fills in. Benintendi will have a chance to prove himself right away, hitting in the 2 hole. This lineup has a ton of potential, let’s hope it lives up to the hype.
Bench
Brock Holt, UTIL
Marco Hernandez, INF
Christian Vazquez, C
Chris Young, OF
Give Marco Hernandez the edge here! Yes, I know the Sox would have to keep Josh Rutledge on the active roster to keep him, but he’s been outplayed. Hernandez deserves the roster spot. Vazquez will get in the mix as the backup catcher, while Brock Holt can fill in almost anywhere when needed. Chris Young will give the Killer B’s some rest days throughout the year.
Starting Rotation
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Rick Porcello, RHP
Chris Sale, LHP
Steven Wright, RHP
Drew Pomeranz, LHP
The Sox took a blow when David Price went down. They’ll be okay, though. Reigning Cy Young winner Rick Porcello will get the Opening Day start, followed by new acquisition Chris Sale. With Price down Rodriguez, Wright and Pomeranz will all get a shot to begin the year. Kyle Kendricks is the odd man out here, but he’ll be just a short drive away in Pawtucket.
Bullpen
Fernando Abad, LHP
Matt Barnes, RHP
Heath Hembree, RHP
Joe Kelly, RHP
Craig Kimbrel, RHP
Robbie Ross Jr., LHP
Tyler Thornburg, RHP
Eventually Thornburg will be the setup man for Kimbrel. Joe Kelly will likely begin in that role though while Thornburg recovers. The Sox bullpen should be an improvement over 2016, but only time will tell. Red Sox starters and the lineup should have the bullpen in great positions to close out games.
Excited yet? This team is going to win 100 games, write that one down.
Next: Rick Porcello 2017 Preview
The Red Sox will look for win number one on Opening Day at Fewnay Park on April 3rd.