As a Red Sox fan, I know that one of the keys to success for our team is pitching. That’s why I always keep up with the latest news and analysis on Red Sox Links: Pitching, Pitching, Pitching. From starting pitchers like Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez to relievers like Matt Barnes and Adam Ottavino, this site covers everything you need to know about the Red Sox pitching staff. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just getting into baseball, Red Sox Links is a must-read for anyone interested in the team’s performance on the mound.
Pitching: The Key to Red Sox Success
When it comes to baseball, there is one thing that is clear: pitching is king. Without strong pitching, even the most talented teams can fall short of expectations. In the case of the Boston Red Sox, pitching has been a critical component of their success over the years.
Top Pitching Prospects
In recent years, the Red Sox have developed a reputation for having one of the best farm systems in baseball. This is due in part to their ability to develop young pitching talent. One of the most promising prospects in the organization is left-handed pitcher Jay Groome.
Groome was a first-round pick (12th overall) in the 2016 MLB draft. He has a fastball that can reach the upper 90s and a devastating curveball that has drawn comparisons to Clayton Kershaw. Groome has battled injuries throughout his career but has shown flashes of greatness when healthy.
Another top pitching prospect in the Red Sox organization is Bryan Mata. He is a hard-throwing right-hander with a fastball that can touch 97 mph. Mata has a devastating slider that has the potential to be a true wipeout pitch at the Major League level.
Rejuvenated Veteran Arms
While developing young pitching talent is critical to the long-term success of the organization, the Red Sox have also had success with rejuvenating veteran arms. In recent years, they have signed several veteran pitchers who have found new life in Boston.
One of the most notable examples is David Price. Prior to signing with the Red Sox in 2016, Price had struggled with injuries and inconsistency. However, he has been a key member of the Red Sox rotation over the past few seasons. In 2018, Price went 16-7 with a 3.58 ERA and helped lead the Red Sox to a World Series championship.
Another veteran pitcher who has found new life in Boston is Nathan Eovaldi. The hard-throwing right-hander signed with the Red Sox prior to the 2018 season and quickly became a fan favorite. Eovaldi was a key member of the 2018 World Series championship team, pitching six innings of relief in Game 3 to earn the win.
Building a Strong Bullpen
One of the keys to success in modern baseball is having a strong bullpen. The Red Sox have recognized this and have made an effort to build a strong bullpen over the past few seasons.
In 2019, the Red Sox signed free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel to a multi-year deal. However, Kimbrel struggled with his command and was eventually replaced as closer by journeyman Ryan Brasier. While Brasier was effective in the role, the Red Sox recognized the need for an elite closer and made a bold move prior to the 2020 season.
The Red Sox traded for hard-throwing reliever Brandon Workman and named him the closer. Workman was dominant in the role, recording nine saves and posting a 1.88 ERA in 21 appearances. The Red Sox also acquired reliever Heath Hembree in the trade and he was effective in a setup role.
Going into the 2021 season, the Red Sox have a strong bullpen anchored by Workman and Hembree. They also have several young pitchers who could emerge as key contributors, including Darwinzon Hernandez and Marcus Walden.
Conclusion
When it comes to baseball, pitching is king. The Boston Red Sox have recognized this and have made it a priority to develop young pitching talent, rejuvenate veteran arms, and build a strong bullpen. These efforts have paid off in recent years, as the Red Sox have won multiple division titles and a World Series championship.
As the 2021 season approaches, the Red Sox have a lot of uncertainty around their pitching staff. However, if they can continue to develop young talent, rejuvenate veterans, and build a strong bullpen, they should be in good shape to compete for a playoff spot.
