Post by carolinacoolpapa (Scott, BOS) on Jun 26, 2018 11:55:57 GMT -5
2016 Red Sox
AL East Champ - Lost ALCS to Astros
101-60-19 .627
#1 AL East, #6 MLB
Offense: 646r 179hr 653rbi 80sb .262avg
Pitching: *94w *1,395k 76sh 3.54era 1.276whip
*led MLB
Top Hitters
Nolan Arenado, 3B – .282avg 30hr 85r 93rbi 2sb
Xander Bogaerts, SS – .313avg 14hr 82r 69rbi 13sb
George Springer, CF/RF – .260avg 23hr 84r 68rbi 7sb
Top Pitchers
J.A. Happ, SP – 16w 143ip 124k 2.96era 1.140whip
Craig Kimbrel – 2w 37ip 58k 20sh 3.41era 1.108whip
Steven Wright – 13w 146.2ip 123k 3.01era 1.193whip
Post Season
The Red Sox squeaked by the AL Wildcard Kansas City Royals in the divisional series, winning 4-3-3. Along with the ties in HR (6), RBI (22) and wins (2), Boston barely squeezed out wins in runs (25-23), batting average (.259-.258) and WHIP (1.446-1.512). Key performers for the Red Sox included series MVP Nolan Arenado (12-24 .500, 3hr, 5r, 7rbi), Xander Bogaerts (8-27 .296, 2hr, 4r, 7rbi) and Cameron Maybin (7-18 .389, 1hr, 3r, 5rbi, 1sb). The top starting pitcher, on an otherwise shaky staff, was Tyler Skaggs (1w, 3.60, 10ip 8k, 1.300whip). I write that with a heavy heart as he passed away on July 1, 2019, just nine days prior to me writing up this recap. Craig Kimbrel (1sv, 0.00, 1.2ip, 4k) was the only bullpen arm of note but his 0.000 whip in 1.2 innings put the Sox over in that category. Kansas City was led in hitting by Starlin Castro (10-27 .370, 3hr, 6r, 6rbi, 1sb) and pitching by Rick Porcello (3.52, 7.2ip, 8k, 1.174whip) although the true highlight for the Royals was their bullpen, which won the SV/HLD category 6-5 as Kelvin Herrera (3svh, 3ip, 3k, 0.667whip), Jason Grilli (1w, 1svh, 3ip, 5k, 1.000whip), Jerry Blevins (1svh, 2ip, 4k, 1.500whip) and Tyler Thornberg (1svh, 2ip, 2k, 0.500whip), combined for 14 strikeouts in 10 shutout innings.
The Red Sox ran into a Texas sized wall in the ALCS, losing to Houston 8-1-1. The Red Sox actually played pretty well, with narrow deficits in several categories in the two-week contest, including: RBI (45-50), ERA (3.13-2.98) and WHIP (1.247-1.191) but the Astros dominated the other categories, particularly pitching. Top starting pitchers for the Astros included: Noah Syndergaard (1w, 1.50, 12ip, 11k, 1.167whip); and Jharel Cotton (1w, 1.42, 6.1ip, 3k, 0.632whip); Ian Kennedy (2w, 4.08, 17.2ip, 13k, 1.358whip). They were supported by an amazing bullpen that featured Ken Giles (5svh, 1.80, 5ip, 8k, 0.800whip), Chris Devinski (1w, 2svh, 0.00, 6.2ip, 7k, 0.150whip), and James Hoyt (1w, 0.00, 4.2ip, 7k, 0.214whip). The Red Sox were led on offense by Travis Shaw (9-26 .346, 7r, 10rbi, 1sb) and Sandy Leon (13-36 .361, 4r, 5rbi) while the top pitcher, once again, was Tyler Skaggs (1w, 2.25, 12ip, 15k, 1.250whip). Chase Anderson (1w, 0.00, 10.2ip, 6k, 0.938whip) and Eduardo Rodriguez (1.29, 14ip, 10k, 0.643whip) and Boone Logan (1svh, 0.00, 3.2ip, 5k, 0.273whip) also had strong performances in the losing effort.
Key Hitters:
Nolan Arenado, 3B 25-73 .342 5hr 13r 14rbi
Xander Bogaerts, SS 10-51 .196 4hr 14r 14rbi
Cameron Maybin, CF 13-38 .342 1hr 4r 5rbi 2sb
Travis Shaw, 1B 11-39 .282 2hr 7r 10rbi 1sb
George Springer, RF 14-70 .200 1hr 15r 3rbi 2sb
Key Pitchers:
Tyler Skaggs, SP 2w 22ip 23k 2.86 1.273
Chase Anderson, SP 1w 20.1ip 18k 2.21 1.182
Eduardo Rodriguez, SP 19.1ip 11k 3.26 0.879
Craig Kimbrell, RP 3svh 5ip 8k 0.00 1.000 3svh
Boone Logan, RP 4svh 5.1ip 7k 5.06 0.750
2017 Red Sox
94-76-10 .553
#3 AL East, #14 MLB – 102pf/79pa
Offense: 591r 142hr 567rbi 61sb .263avg
Pitching: 89w 1,383k 111sh 4.49era 1.334whip
Top Hitters
George Springer, CF/RF – .305avg 28hr 83r 68rbi 4sb
Andrew McCutchen, CF – .289avg 23hr 73r 71rbi 10sb
Scooter Gennett – .290avg 19hr 52r 66rbi 2sb
Top Pitchers
Addison Reed, RP – 1w 53.1ip 52k 24sh 3.21era 1.144whip
Brad Brach – 3w 49ip 53k 19sh 2.76era 1.000whip
J.A. Happ – 6w 96.2ip 93k 0sh 3.63era 1.303whip
2018 Red Sox
61-108-11 .361
#4 AL East, #24 MLB – 66.5pf/113.5pa
Offense: 363r 85hr 322rbi 34sb .263avg
Pitching: 27w 434k 34sh 4.50era 1.409whip
Top Hitters
Scooter Gennett, 2B – 267ab .337avg 13hr 37r 50rbi 1sb
Andrew McCutchen, CF – 463ab .253avg 14hr 62r 53rbi 11sb
George Springer, RF – 305ab .269avg 15hr 57r 42rbi 5sb
Top Pitchers
Matt Barnes, RP – 0w 15sh 31.2ip 42k 2.84era 1.137whip
Tyler Clippard, RP – 4w 33ip 32k 11sh 3.00era 1.152whip
Hector Velazquez, SP/RP – 6w 57ip 32k 2.68era 1.142whip
Season Summary
After two successful seasons in which the Red Sox won the AL East in 2016 and had 94 wins in 2017, Boston took a major step back in 2018 finishing a franchise low 4th place in the AL West and 24th in all of baseball. Seeing a team in need of a serious rebuild, new ownership made the tough decision to trade away fan favorites Xander Bogaerts, Scooter Gennett and even team captain George Springer along with the majority of the majority of the team's major league roster. The chief holdout is Andrew McCutchen who, thanks to a new ownership reduced contract, will become a free agent this off season. Before leaving, Gennett logged enough at bats (250 minimum) to set a new team record with a .337 batting average, topping Cameron Maybin's .336 in 2016.
There is strong hope for the future thanks to players acquired in trades this summer. While veterans Chris Davis and Jake Arrietta were acquired primarily to provide a clubhouse presence through their 2020 contract seasons (meanwhile eating up $39 million of the teams annual payroll), the Red Sox were excited to acquire all star catcher Salvador Perez, who is signed at a reasonable $6.1 million through 2022. The team also achieved significant success in upgrading its minor league system with the addition of over two dozen prospects, including 4 that rank in mlb.com's top 100, pitchers Michael Kopech (#13), Ian Anderson (#39) and Kolby Allard (#89) and outfielder Kyle Lewis (#81).
Unless a major free agent signing or trade changes the team's direction this off season, it seems likely that Boston will tread water the next two seasons, continuing to build up its minor league system as current young players develop and management tries to field as watchable team as possible. Look for them to try and add a bunch of veterans on two year contracts to serve as a bridge to the future.
2019 Red Sox
AL #2 Wild Card
97-69-14 .584
#3 AL East, #10 MLB
Offense: 539r 139hr 464rbi 39sb .265avg
Pitching: 32w 565k 104sh 4.23era 1.339whip
Top Hitters
Mookie Betts, CF/RF - 491ab .285avg 20hr 106r 62rbi 12sb
Manny Machado, 3B/SS - 470ab .265avg 26hr 67r 70rbi 4sb
Marcus Semien, SS - 493ab .275avg 19hr 87r 55rbi 6sb
Bryce Harper, RF - 453ab .250avg 22hr 69r 80rbi 6sb
Jose Ramirez, 2B/3B - 127ab .323avg 9hr 24r 31rbi 6sb
Top Pitchers
Taylor Rogers, RP - 2w 27sh 53.2ip 68k 2.68era 1.060whip
Aroldis Chapman, RP - 3w 26sh 40.2ip 58k 2.66era 1.205whip
Jalen Beeks, SP/RP - 5w 0sh 76.1ip 63k 2.95era 1.323whip
Season Summary
COMING SOON!
2020 Red Sox
#1 AL Wildcard
Roto Scoring: 168.5/300 pts (.562 win%)
#3 AL East, #13 MLB
Offense: 267r (9th) 86hr (4th-T) 257rbi (7th) 37sb (4th) .253avg (13th)
Pitching: 10w (26th-T) 199k (26th) 45sh (7th) 4.92era (24th) 1.349whip (20th)
Top Hitters
Jose Ramirez, 3B - 219ab .292avg 17hr 45r 46rbi 10sb
Mookie Betts, CF - 219ab .292avg 16hr 47r 39rbi 10sb
Bryce Haper, RF - 190ab .268avg 13hr 41r 33rbi 8sb
Mike Yastrzemski, LF - 192ab .297avg 10hr 39r 35rbi 2sb
Top Pitchers
Greg Holland, RP - 3w 8sv/hld 1.91era 28g 28.1ip 31k 0.953whip
Scott Barlow, RP - 2w 9sv/hld 4.20era 32g 30ip 39k 1.200whip
Jon Gant, RP - 0w 5sv/hld 2.40era 17g 15ip 18k 1.067whip
Sergio Romo, RP - 1w 13sv/hld 4.50 22g 18ip 18k 1.278whip
Season Summary
In a COVID-shortened, roto-altered season, the Red Sox snuck into a wildcard spot, thanks only to the expanded MLB post-season. It didn't have to be that way though. As late as September 1, Boston was 1st in the AL East (5th MLB) with 221 roto points, followed by the Rays (208) and Yankees (160.5). But while their division rivals stayed steady, (finishing with 210 and 169.5 points, respectively), the Sox absolutely bombed the final month, dropping to 168.5 points . . . just a single point below the Yankees to make it just that more painful. Over the final four weeks of the season, Boston ranked 17th in the league, with just 139.5 roto points.
The team's outstanding hitters continued to produce, but it was the team's pitching that fell off a cliff. Considering only one pitcher started any games all season (Chase Anderson, 6gs, 1w, 7.63) it is an understatement to call the Red Sox 2020 strategy "bullpen heavy." It didn't help that staff ace Eduardo Rodriguez was lost for the season due to COVID-related heart issues. Boston relievers did find in the Sv+Hld category, finishing 7th in that category, but the team did not fare so well in the other two categories needed for that strategy to succeed . . . ERA and WHIP. Through September 1, Boston had the 3rd best ERA in the league (3.59) and 7th best WHIP (1.240) but over the final four weeks, this dropped to last in BOTH categories (7.81era, 1.585whip). In the end, the pitching staff finished (predictably) 26th in both wins and strikeouts, and (disappointingly) 24th in ERA and 20th in WHIP.
The Boston offense was another story. While the team had no bench (literally - there was not a single plate appearance from a reserve player), the starting 9 were good enough to make this a playoff caliber team. They finished top 5 in the league in home runs, rbi and steals, as well as 9th in runs. The team's .253 batting average (13th) was a bit of a drag but still finished 6th in hitting (compared to 24th in pitching). Team statistical highlights were spread around with newcomer Mike Yastrzemski leding the team with a .297 average while Jose Ramirez led with 17 homers and 46 rbi and Mookie Betts led with 47 runs. Ramirez and Betts tied for the team lead with 64 hits and 10 steals apiece. Bryce Harper (.268, 13hr, 41r, 33rbi, 8sb) contributed across the board but didn't lead in any single category.
Outlook for 2021: In what will hopefully be a regular (i.e. 160-game, non-roto) season, Boston is pretty well positioned to compete again in the tough AL East. The "Big 4" bats are all set to return, as well as Marcus Semien who should bounce back from a rough 2020. With Daniel Murphy moving to 1B (and Albert Pujols testing free agency), there will be an opening to fill at second. The bullpen looks like it should be solid, if unspectacular again with the HUGE hole being starting pitching. Chase Anderson is the only starter currently under contract for 2021 and the Red Sox budget is very tight, but look for them to spend/trade the resources they do have to put together at least a bare-bones starting rotation.
Single Regular Season Team Records – Hitting
Hits - Xander Bogaerts 147 (2016) --- Mookie Betts 133 (2019) --- Marcus Semien 131 (2019) --- Nolan Arenado 127 (2016) --- George Springer 122 (2016)
Runs - Mookie Betts 106 (2019) --- Marcus Semien 87 (2019) --- Nolan Arenado 85 (2016) --- George Springer 84 (2016) --- Xander Bogearts 82 (2016)
HR - Nolan Arenado 30 (2016) --- George Springer 28 (2017) --- Manny Machado 26 (2019) --- George Springer / Andrew McCutchen 23 (2017)
RBI - Nolan Arenado 93 (2016) --- Bryce Harper 80 (2019) --- Andrew McCutchen 71 (2017) --- Manny Machado 70 (2019) --- Xander Bogaerts 69 (2016)
SB - Cameron Maybin 13 (2016) / Xander Bogaerts 13 (2016) --- Mookie Betts 12 (2019) --- Xander Bogaerts 11 (2017) / Andrew McCutchen 11 (2018)
Avg* - Scooter Gennett .337 (2018) --- Cameron Maybin .325 (2016) --- Xander Bogaerts .313 (2016) --- George Springer .305 (2017)
*250+ ab
Single Season Team Records – Pitching
Wins - J.A. Happ 16 (2016) --- Steven Wright 13 (2016) --- J.A. Happ 6 (2017) / Hector Velazquez 6 (2018)
IP - Steven Wright 146.2 (2016) --- J.A. Happ 143 (2016) --- Chase Anderson 111.1 (2016)
K - J.A. Happ 124 (2016) --- Steven Wright 123 (2016) --- J.A. Happ 93 (2017)
SH - Taylor Rodgers 27 (2019) --- Aroldis Chapman 26 (2019) ---Addison Reed 24 (2017) --- Craig Kimbrel 20 (2016) --- Brad Brach 19 (2017)
Starters*
ERA - J.A. Happ 2.96 (2016) --- Steven Wright 3.01 (2016) --- J.A. Happ 3.63 (2017)
WHIP - J.A. Happ 1.140 (2016) --- Steven Wright 1.193 (2016) --- Eduardo Rodriguez 1.232 (2017)
*80+ ip
Relievers**
ERA - Greg Holland 1.91 (<2020> 28.1ip) --- Jon Gant 2.40 (<2020> 15ip) --- Aroldis Chapman 2.66 (2019) --- Hector Velazquez 2.68 (2018) / Taylor Rodgers 2.68 (2019) --- Brad Brach 2.76 (2017) --- Matt Barnes 2.84 (2018)
WHIP - Brad Brach 1.000 (2017) --- Taylor Rodgers 1.002 (2019) --- Craig Kimbrell 1.108 (2016) --- Addison Reed 1.144 (2017)
**30+ ip
<> under 30 innings due to 2020 COVID-shortened season
Single Post Season Records - Hitting
Hits - Nolan Arenado 25 (2016) --- Sandy Leon 16 (2016) --- George Springer 14 (2016)
Runs - George Springer 15 (2016) --- Xander Bogaerts 14 (2016) --- Nolan Arenado 13 (2016) --- Mookie Betts 9 (2019)
HR - Nolan Arenado 5 (2016) --- Xander Bogaerts 4 (2016) / Jose Ramirez 4 (2019) / Bryce Harper 4 (2019) --- Travis Shaw 2 (2016) / Marcus Semien 2 (2019)
RBI - Nolan Arenado / Xander Bogaerts 14 (2016) --- Travis Shaw 10 (2016) / Jose Ramirez 10 (2019) / Bryce Harper 10 (2019)
SB - George Springer / Cameron Maybin 2 (2016)
Avg (min 15ab) - Jose Ramirez 8-23 .348 (2019) --- Nolan Arenado .3425 (2016) --- Cameron Maybin .3421 (2016) --- Bryce Harper 7-21 .333 (2019) --- Mookie Betts 8-25 .320 (2019)
Single Post Season Records - Pitching
Wins - Tyler Skaggs 2 (2016) --- several tied with 1
IP - Tyler Skaggs 22 (2016) --- Chase Anderson/James Paxton 20.1 (2016)
K - Tyler Skaggs 23 (2016) --- James Paxton 20 (2016) --- Chase Anderson 18 (2016)
SH - Boone Logan 4 (2016) --- Craig Kimbrell 3 (2016) --- Taylor Rodgers 2 (2019)
ERA (min 6ip) - Chase Anderson 2.21 (2016) --- Tyler Skaggs 2.86 (2016) --- Eduardo Rodriguez 3.26 (2016) --- Adam Wainwright 4.05 (2019)
WHIP (min 6ip) - Eduardo Rodriguez 0.879 (2016) --- Chase Anderson 1.182 (2016) --- Adam Wainwright 1.200 (2019) --- Tyler Skaggs 1.273 (2016)
AL East Champ - Lost ALCS to Astros
101-60-19 .627
#1 AL East, #6 MLB
Offense: 646r 179hr 653rbi 80sb .262avg
Pitching: *94w *1,395k 76sh 3.54era 1.276whip
*led MLB
Top Hitters
Nolan Arenado, 3B – .282avg 30hr 85r 93rbi 2sb
Xander Bogaerts, SS – .313avg 14hr 82r 69rbi 13sb
George Springer, CF/RF – .260avg 23hr 84r 68rbi 7sb
Top Pitchers
J.A. Happ, SP – 16w 143ip 124k 2.96era 1.140whip
Craig Kimbrel – 2w 37ip 58k 20sh 3.41era 1.108whip
Steven Wright – 13w 146.2ip 123k 3.01era 1.193whip
Post Season
The Red Sox squeaked by the AL Wildcard Kansas City Royals in the divisional series, winning 4-3-3. Along with the ties in HR (6), RBI (22) and wins (2), Boston barely squeezed out wins in runs (25-23), batting average (.259-.258) and WHIP (1.446-1.512). Key performers for the Red Sox included series MVP Nolan Arenado (12-24 .500, 3hr, 5r, 7rbi), Xander Bogaerts (8-27 .296, 2hr, 4r, 7rbi) and Cameron Maybin (7-18 .389, 1hr, 3r, 5rbi, 1sb). The top starting pitcher, on an otherwise shaky staff, was Tyler Skaggs (1w, 3.60, 10ip 8k, 1.300whip). I write that with a heavy heart as he passed away on July 1, 2019, just nine days prior to me writing up this recap. Craig Kimbrel (1sv, 0.00, 1.2ip, 4k) was the only bullpen arm of note but his 0.000 whip in 1.2 innings put the Sox over in that category. Kansas City was led in hitting by Starlin Castro (10-27 .370, 3hr, 6r, 6rbi, 1sb) and pitching by Rick Porcello (3.52, 7.2ip, 8k, 1.174whip) although the true highlight for the Royals was their bullpen, which won the SV/HLD category 6-5 as Kelvin Herrera (3svh, 3ip, 3k, 0.667whip), Jason Grilli (1w, 1svh, 3ip, 5k, 1.000whip), Jerry Blevins (1svh, 2ip, 4k, 1.500whip) and Tyler Thornberg (1svh, 2ip, 2k, 0.500whip), combined for 14 strikeouts in 10 shutout innings.
The Red Sox ran into a Texas sized wall in the ALCS, losing to Houston 8-1-1. The Red Sox actually played pretty well, with narrow deficits in several categories in the two-week contest, including: RBI (45-50), ERA (3.13-2.98) and WHIP (1.247-1.191) but the Astros dominated the other categories, particularly pitching. Top starting pitchers for the Astros included: Noah Syndergaard (1w, 1.50, 12ip, 11k, 1.167whip); and Jharel Cotton (1w, 1.42, 6.1ip, 3k, 0.632whip); Ian Kennedy (2w, 4.08, 17.2ip, 13k, 1.358whip). They were supported by an amazing bullpen that featured Ken Giles (5svh, 1.80, 5ip, 8k, 0.800whip), Chris Devinski (1w, 2svh, 0.00, 6.2ip, 7k, 0.150whip), and James Hoyt (1w, 0.00, 4.2ip, 7k, 0.214whip). The Red Sox were led on offense by Travis Shaw (9-26 .346, 7r, 10rbi, 1sb) and Sandy Leon (13-36 .361, 4r, 5rbi) while the top pitcher, once again, was Tyler Skaggs (1w, 2.25, 12ip, 15k, 1.250whip). Chase Anderson (1w, 0.00, 10.2ip, 6k, 0.938whip) and Eduardo Rodriguez (1.29, 14ip, 10k, 0.643whip) and Boone Logan (1svh, 0.00, 3.2ip, 5k, 0.273whip) also had strong performances in the losing effort.
Key Hitters:
Nolan Arenado, 3B 25-73 .342 5hr 13r 14rbi
Xander Bogaerts, SS 10-51 .196 4hr 14r 14rbi
Cameron Maybin, CF 13-38 .342 1hr 4r 5rbi 2sb
Travis Shaw, 1B 11-39 .282 2hr 7r 10rbi 1sb
George Springer, RF 14-70 .200 1hr 15r 3rbi 2sb
Key Pitchers:
Tyler Skaggs, SP 2w 22ip 23k 2.86 1.273
Chase Anderson, SP 1w 20.1ip 18k 2.21 1.182
Eduardo Rodriguez, SP 19.1ip 11k 3.26 0.879
Craig Kimbrell, RP 3svh 5ip 8k 0.00 1.000 3svh
Boone Logan, RP 4svh 5.1ip 7k 5.06 0.750
2017 Red Sox
94-76-10 .553
#3 AL East, #14 MLB – 102pf/79pa
Offense: 591r 142hr 567rbi 61sb .263avg
Pitching: 89w 1,383k 111sh 4.49era 1.334whip
Top Hitters
George Springer, CF/RF – .305avg 28hr 83r 68rbi 4sb
Andrew McCutchen, CF – .289avg 23hr 73r 71rbi 10sb
Scooter Gennett – .290avg 19hr 52r 66rbi 2sb
Top Pitchers
Addison Reed, RP – 1w 53.1ip 52k 24sh 3.21era 1.144whip
Brad Brach – 3w 49ip 53k 19sh 2.76era 1.000whip
J.A. Happ – 6w 96.2ip 93k 0sh 3.63era 1.303whip
2018 Red Sox
61-108-11 .361
#4 AL East, #24 MLB – 66.5pf/113.5pa
Offense: 363r 85hr 322rbi 34sb .263avg
Pitching: 27w 434k 34sh 4.50era 1.409whip
Top Hitters
Scooter Gennett, 2B – 267ab .337avg 13hr 37r 50rbi 1sb
Andrew McCutchen, CF – 463ab .253avg 14hr 62r 53rbi 11sb
George Springer, RF – 305ab .269avg 15hr 57r 42rbi 5sb
Top Pitchers
Matt Barnes, RP – 0w 15sh 31.2ip 42k 2.84era 1.137whip
Tyler Clippard, RP – 4w 33ip 32k 11sh 3.00era 1.152whip
Hector Velazquez, SP/RP – 6w 57ip 32k 2.68era 1.142whip
Season Summary
After two successful seasons in which the Red Sox won the AL East in 2016 and had 94 wins in 2017, Boston took a major step back in 2018 finishing a franchise low 4th place in the AL West and 24th in all of baseball. Seeing a team in need of a serious rebuild, new ownership made the tough decision to trade away fan favorites Xander Bogaerts, Scooter Gennett and even team captain George Springer along with the majority of the majority of the team's major league roster. The chief holdout is Andrew McCutchen who, thanks to a new ownership reduced contract, will become a free agent this off season. Before leaving, Gennett logged enough at bats (250 minimum) to set a new team record with a .337 batting average, topping Cameron Maybin's .336 in 2016.
There is strong hope for the future thanks to players acquired in trades this summer. While veterans Chris Davis and Jake Arrietta were acquired primarily to provide a clubhouse presence through their 2020 contract seasons (meanwhile eating up $39 million of the teams annual payroll), the Red Sox were excited to acquire all star catcher Salvador Perez, who is signed at a reasonable $6.1 million through 2022. The team also achieved significant success in upgrading its minor league system with the addition of over two dozen prospects, including 4 that rank in mlb.com's top 100, pitchers Michael Kopech (#13), Ian Anderson (#39) and Kolby Allard (#89) and outfielder Kyle Lewis (#81).
Unless a major free agent signing or trade changes the team's direction this off season, it seems likely that Boston will tread water the next two seasons, continuing to build up its minor league system as current young players develop and management tries to field as watchable team as possible. Look for them to try and add a bunch of veterans on two year contracts to serve as a bridge to the future.
2019 Red Sox
AL #2 Wild Card
97-69-14 .584
#3 AL East, #10 MLB
Offense: 539r 139hr 464rbi 39sb .265avg
Pitching: 32w 565k 104sh 4.23era 1.339whip
Top Hitters
Mookie Betts, CF/RF - 491ab .285avg 20hr 106r 62rbi 12sb
Manny Machado, 3B/SS - 470ab .265avg 26hr 67r 70rbi 4sb
Marcus Semien, SS - 493ab .275avg 19hr 87r 55rbi 6sb
Bryce Harper, RF - 453ab .250avg 22hr 69r 80rbi 6sb
Jose Ramirez, 2B/3B - 127ab .323avg 9hr 24r 31rbi 6sb
Top Pitchers
Taylor Rogers, RP - 2w 27sh 53.2ip 68k 2.68era 1.060whip
Aroldis Chapman, RP - 3w 26sh 40.2ip 58k 2.66era 1.205whip
Jalen Beeks, SP/RP - 5w 0sh 76.1ip 63k 2.95era 1.323whip
Season Summary
COMING SOON!
2020 Red Sox
#1 AL Wildcard
Roto Scoring: 168.5/300 pts (.562 win%)
#3 AL East, #13 MLB
Offense: 267r (9th) 86hr (4th-T) 257rbi (7th) 37sb (4th) .253avg (13th)
Pitching: 10w (26th-T) 199k (26th) 45sh (7th) 4.92era (24th) 1.349whip (20th)
Top Hitters
Jose Ramirez, 3B - 219ab .292avg 17hr 45r 46rbi 10sb
Mookie Betts, CF - 219ab .292avg 16hr 47r 39rbi 10sb
Bryce Haper, RF - 190ab .268avg 13hr 41r 33rbi 8sb
Mike Yastrzemski, LF - 192ab .297avg 10hr 39r 35rbi 2sb
Top Pitchers
Greg Holland, RP - 3w 8sv/hld 1.91era 28g 28.1ip 31k 0.953whip
Scott Barlow, RP - 2w 9sv/hld 4.20era 32g 30ip 39k 1.200whip
Jon Gant, RP - 0w 5sv/hld 2.40era 17g 15ip 18k 1.067whip
Sergio Romo, RP - 1w 13sv/hld 4.50 22g 18ip 18k 1.278whip
Season Summary
In a COVID-shortened, roto-altered season, the Red Sox snuck into a wildcard spot, thanks only to the expanded MLB post-season. It didn't have to be that way though. As late as September 1, Boston was 1st in the AL East (5th MLB) with 221 roto points, followed by the Rays (208) and Yankees (160.5). But while their division rivals stayed steady, (finishing with 210 and 169.5 points, respectively), the Sox absolutely bombed the final month, dropping to 168.5 points . . . just a single point below the Yankees to make it just that more painful. Over the final four weeks of the season, Boston ranked 17th in the league, with just 139.5 roto points.
The team's outstanding hitters continued to produce, but it was the team's pitching that fell off a cliff. Considering only one pitcher started any games all season (Chase Anderson, 6gs, 1w, 7.63) it is an understatement to call the Red Sox 2020 strategy "bullpen heavy." It didn't help that staff ace Eduardo Rodriguez was lost for the season due to COVID-related heart issues. Boston relievers did find in the Sv+Hld category, finishing 7th in that category, but the team did not fare so well in the other two categories needed for that strategy to succeed . . . ERA and WHIP. Through September 1, Boston had the 3rd best ERA in the league (3.59) and 7th best WHIP (1.240) but over the final four weeks, this dropped to last in BOTH categories (7.81era, 1.585whip). In the end, the pitching staff finished (predictably) 26th in both wins and strikeouts, and (disappointingly) 24th in ERA and 20th in WHIP.
The Boston offense was another story. While the team had no bench (literally - there was not a single plate appearance from a reserve player), the starting 9 were good enough to make this a playoff caliber team. They finished top 5 in the league in home runs, rbi and steals, as well as 9th in runs. The team's .253 batting average (13th) was a bit of a drag but still finished 6th in hitting (compared to 24th in pitching). Team statistical highlights were spread around with newcomer Mike Yastrzemski leding the team with a .297 average while Jose Ramirez led with 17 homers and 46 rbi and Mookie Betts led with 47 runs. Ramirez and Betts tied for the team lead with 64 hits and 10 steals apiece. Bryce Harper (.268, 13hr, 41r, 33rbi, 8sb) contributed across the board but didn't lead in any single category.
Outlook for 2021: In what will hopefully be a regular (i.e. 160-game, non-roto) season, Boston is pretty well positioned to compete again in the tough AL East. The "Big 4" bats are all set to return, as well as Marcus Semien who should bounce back from a rough 2020. With Daniel Murphy moving to 1B (and Albert Pujols testing free agency), there will be an opening to fill at second. The bullpen looks like it should be solid, if unspectacular again with the HUGE hole being starting pitching. Chase Anderson is the only starter currently under contract for 2021 and the Red Sox budget is very tight, but look for them to spend/trade the resources they do have to put together at least a bare-bones starting rotation.
Single Regular Season Team Records – Hitting
Hits - Xander Bogaerts 147 (2016) --- Mookie Betts 133 (2019) --- Marcus Semien 131 (2019) --- Nolan Arenado 127 (2016) --- George Springer 122 (2016)
Runs - Mookie Betts 106 (2019) --- Marcus Semien 87 (2019) --- Nolan Arenado 85 (2016) --- George Springer 84 (2016) --- Xander Bogearts 82 (2016)
HR - Nolan Arenado 30 (2016) --- George Springer 28 (2017) --- Manny Machado 26 (2019) --- George Springer / Andrew McCutchen 23 (2017)
RBI - Nolan Arenado 93 (2016) --- Bryce Harper 80 (2019) --- Andrew McCutchen 71 (2017) --- Manny Machado 70 (2019) --- Xander Bogaerts 69 (2016)
SB - Cameron Maybin 13 (2016) / Xander Bogaerts 13 (2016) --- Mookie Betts 12 (2019) --- Xander Bogaerts 11 (2017) / Andrew McCutchen 11 (2018)
Avg* - Scooter Gennett .337 (2018) --- Cameron Maybin .325 (2016) --- Xander Bogaerts .313 (2016) --- George Springer .305 (2017)
*250+ ab
Single Season Team Records – Pitching
Wins - J.A. Happ 16 (2016) --- Steven Wright 13 (2016) --- J.A. Happ 6 (2017) / Hector Velazquez 6 (2018)
IP - Steven Wright 146.2 (2016) --- J.A. Happ 143 (2016) --- Chase Anderson 111.1 (2016)
K - J.A. Happ 124 (2016) --- Steven Wright 123 (2016) --- J.A. Happ 93 (2017)
SH - Taylor Rodgers 27 (2019) --- Aroldis Chapman 26 (2019) ---Addison Reed 24 (2017) --- Craig Kimbrel 20 (2016) --- Brad Brach 19 (2017)
Starters*
ERA - J.A. Happ 2.96 (2016) --- Steven Wright 3.01 (2016) --- J.A. Happ 3.63 (2017)
WHIP - J.A. Happ 1.140 (2016) --- Steven Wright 1.193 (2016) --- Eduardo Rodriguez 1.232 (2017)
*80+ ip
Relievers**
ERA - Greg Holland 1.91 (<2020> 28.1ip) --- Jon Gant 2.40 (<2020> 15ip) --- Aroldis Chapman 2.66 (2019) --- Hector Velazquez 2.68 (2018) / Taylor Rodgers 2.68 (2019) --- Brad Brach 2.76 (2017) --- Matt Barnes 2.84 (2018)
WHIP - Brad Brach 1.000 (2017) --- Taylor Rodgers 1.002 (2019) --- Craig Kimbrell 1.108 (2016) --- Addison Reed 1.144 (2017)
**30+ ip
<> under 30 innings due to 2020 COVID-shortened season
Single Post Season Records - Hitting
Hits - Nolan Arenado 25 (2016) --- Sandy Leon 16 (2016) --- George Springer 14 (2016)
Runs - George Springer 15 (2016) --- Xander Bogaerts 14 (2016) --- Nolan Arenado 13 (2016) --- Mookie Betts 9 (2019)
HR - Nolan Arenado 5 (2016) --- Xander Bogaerts 4 (2016) / Jose Ramirez 4 (2019) / Bryce Harper 4 (2019) --- Travis Shaw 2 (2016) / Marcus Semien 2 (2019)
RBI - Nolan Arenado / Xander Bogaerts 14 (2016) --- Travis Shaw 10 (2016) / Jose Ramirez 10 (2019) / Bryce Harper 10 (2019)
SB - George Springer / Cameron Maybin 2 (2016)
Avg (min 15ab) - Jose Ramirez 8-23 .348 (2019) --- Nolan Arenado .3425 (2016) --- Cameron Maybin .3421 (2016) --- Bryce Harper 7-21 .333 (2019) --- Mookie Betts 8-25 .320 (2019)
Single Post Season Records - Pitching
Wins - Tyler Skaggs 2 (2016) --- several tied with 1
IP - Tyler Skaggs 22 (2016) --- Chase Anderson/James Paxton 20.1 (2016)
K - Tyler Skaggs 23 (2016) --- James Paxton 20 (2016) --- Chase Anderson 18 (2016)
SH - Boone Logan 4 (2016) --- Craig Kimbrell 3 (2016) --- Taylor Rodgers 2 (2019)
ERA (min 6ip) - Chase Anderson 2.21 (2016) --- Tyler Skaggs 2.86 (2016) --- Eduardo Rodriguez 3.26 (2016) --- Adam Wainwright 4.05 (2019)
WHIP (min 6ip) - Eduardo Rodriguez 0.879 (2016) --- Chase Anderson 1.182 (2016) --- Adam Wainwright 1.200 (2019) --- Tyler Skaggs 1.273 (2016)
