The Purple Sox open their season tonight in Seattle with 10:10 p.m. recreation towards the Mariners. Boston wrapped up its Grapefruit League season at 19-12, good for third place behind Baltimore (23-6) and Detroit (20-9), earlier than sweeping a two-game exhibition collection with the Rangers in Arlington, Texas.
So how will the Purple Sox do that season? Effectively, most prognosticators do not give Boston a lot of an opportunity to compete within the A.L. East, with many predicting a third-straight last-place end within the division. Baltimore stays the stylish choose, with the Orioles coming off a 101-win season in 2023. However with baseball season upon us, the outdated saying goes — hope springs everlasting.
Here is a take a look at the Purple Sox, from our spring coaching protection forward of tonight’s first pitch:
There are literally some shiny spots on this yr’s crew — a gifted core of younger gamers and a (knock on wooden) wholesome Trevor Story might assist these Sox surpass a few of this season’s dire predictions.
Extra:How good will the Purple Sox be? A take a look at the nice and unhealthy because the crew opens season Thursday
Boston’s 2018 World Sequence champion skipper enters the season on the final yr of his contract. Will the Purple Sox lengthen him, or will Cora transfer on at season’s finish? Should you ask a few of his gamers, there is not any doubt the place their assist lies.
Extra:Purple Sox gamers assist supervisor Alex Cora in last contract yr; What’s subsequent for Cora?
Check out the in all probability beginning lineup as Boston is about to open the season with some acquainted faces, and a few new ones taking the sector in Seattle.
Extra:With the season opener on Thursday, this is a take a look at the Purple Sox beginning lineup
Boston was anticipated to call the newly acquired Lucas Giolito because the opening day beginning pitcher. However an elbow harm this spring is anticipated to maintain him out for the season. Now, the position of Purple Sox ace falls to soon-to-be 25-year-old Brayan Bello.
Extra:Brayan Bello to be Boston Purple Sox’s Opening Day starter; how he earned that honor
Boston’s younger first baseman has been engaged on his fielding, spending a lot of the offseason engaged on changing into a greater defender. His efficiency on the plate final yr — .263 common, 24 dwelling runs, 65 RBI and a .856 OPS — had him end third in A.L. Rookie of the 12 months voting.
Extra:The Purple Sox infield protection was a catastrophe final yr; what 1B Triston Casas is doing about it