Projecting the Red Sox Opening Day roster
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Boston Red Sox Opening Day is in two weeks, folks, which means it's time to project the Opening Day roster. Here's what I'm thinking it will look like:
Rotation
David Price -- After the WS performance, have to assume confidence is sky high here.
Chris Sale -- Perennial Cy Young contender.
Rick Porcello -- Consistent innings eater in a contract year.
Eduardo Rodriguez -- Needs to stay healthy because when he's on, he's on.
Nathan Eovaldi -- Had a great postseason, but health will also be a concern here.
Bullpen
Matt Barnes -- Can he close? We'll find out.
Ryan Brasier -- Could be a bright spot in an otherwise rocky bullpen.
Heath Hembree -- Shouldn't face any left-handed batters, in my opinion.
Brandon Workman -- Is finally a full-time big leaguer--and he's earned it.
Tyler Thornburg -- He's out of options and they gave up Travis Shaw for him....
Brian Johnson -- He's left-handed, can start, and has a pulse.
Hector Velazquez -- Here's your long reliever.
Catchers
Christian Vazquez -- The team's starting catcher for the past two seasons. Why change now?
Blake Swihart -- He'll be 27 this season and as a former No. 1 prospect, it seems like he'll make the team over Leon.
Infield
Steve Pearce -- Of course the World Series MVP makes the team.
Mitch Moreland -- Another good first base option. Have to imagine they'll play percentages here.
Dustin Pedroia -- Is healthy, for now, but they'll have backup.
Brock Holt -- Can swim through land.
Eduardo Nunez -- Let's hope he's better than last year.
Xander Bogaerts -- He's been the shortstop for years now, and he's one of the best.
Rafael Devers -- Wouldn't be shocked if he had a breakout year at third base and offensively.
Outfield
JD Martinez -- He'll DH and play the field a little, and will be fantastic.
Mookie Betts -- Has to be an MVP candidate again.
Andrew Benintendi -- Still a young star left fielder in the making.
Jackie Bradley Jr. -- Hopefully the defensive whiz can do a little more at-bat this year.