With exactly one week left in Spring Training, the Red Sox can see the finish line and begin to imagine what it will be like to take the field on April 1 at Fenway Park against the Orioles.
But until then, there are still a number of decisions to be made.
Here’s a look at what manager Alex Cora and his staff will evaluate most in the final days of the Grapefruit League action.
1) Who is the closest?
It appears to be a two-horse race between seasoned judges Matt Barnes and Adam Ottavino. Barnes is the veteran leader of Boston’s bullpen, a proud member of the organization since he was called up in 2011. Ottavino is the leading newcomer, having pitched for the Yankees for the past two seasons. He is also very familiar with Boston, having thrown his college days at Northeastern University.
Barnes and Ottavino have similar track records in that for a long time they were considered strong setup men, but they only had a slight taste of closing chances. They are also both hungry to win the role this year – their last seasons for free agency.
Neither pitcher has allowed a deserved run in each of their four Grapefruit League appearances. Barnes looked sharper and gave up only one hit and two walks, while striking out eight batters. Ottavino gave up five more basehits and one more walk with four strikeouts.
“We’re getting closer,” said Cora. “I think they both throw the ball well. It’s just a matter of making that decision, and like I said, before we go to Boston, we’ll know what the structure will be like. But I’m not ready to name a valve just yet. “
2) Franchy for the opening day?
Outfielder Franchy Cordero had a late start to Spring Training due to COVID-19 and subsequent protocols he had to clear up before he could start training with his new team. The Red Sox are excited about the leftist slugger they received in exchange for Andrew Benintendi, but they are aware of his history of injuries and don’t want to push him too soon.
Cordero has played in two Grapefruit League games so far – one as the relegated batter on Saturday vs. the Braves and one in left field on Monday against the Rays.
“I just saw him walking around,” Cora said Tuesday morning. He looks like he’s okay. We actually have a B game today at 10. He will probably get bats in that game. That is a good sign. “
Cordero is expected to play on left field on Wednesday and Friday, so the Red Sox should have a better idea of his readiness afterward.
3) Who will win the last bench spot?
Assuming Cordero convinces the buyer he’s good for Opening Day, the Red Sox will have to choose between Christian Arroyo or Michael Chavis for last spot on the bench.
Both players have bolstered their candidacy with strong camps. Chavis has six homers and Arroyo has three. Arroyo has added a strong defense to the mix.
When it comes to organizational depth, Arroyo will likely win the spot as he runs out of options, while Chavis has options left.
“It’s nice to see and that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Both do a great job, ”said Cora. ‘We move them in the inner field, they get their batons. I think they both lead the team in at bats during Spring Training. “
4) Who fills the last two bullpen spots?
The Red Sox will bring nine relievers to open the season. These are the ones that will definitely make the team: Barnes, Ottavino, Hirokazu Sawamura, Darwinzon Hernandez, Matt Andriese, Josh Taylor and Rule 5 Draft pick Garrett Whitlock.
With Ryan Brasier almost certain to start the season on the injured list, Austin Brice, Colten Brewer, Kevin McCarthy, Phillips Valdez and Marcus Walden remain the contenders competing for those last two slots.
Usually the advantage goes to players on the selection of 40 men. Of those five, Brewer, Brice and Valdez fit that bill. However, Valdez, who was very effective last season, has taken several points this spring in three of his six appearances, including Tuesday in Boston’s 7-6 win over Atlanta. Brewer wasn’t particularly sharp either, giving up two homers – including one on Tuesday – in 4 1/3 innings. Brice was hit around his last time-out and gave up a few runs.
McCarthy has thrown the absolute best of the group, as Tuesday marked his fifth game in a row without allowing a run. He also hasn’t walked anyone in his six innings. But will the Red Sox free up a spot on the 40-man to put him on the team? We will find out soon.
“I mean, we have options, but it’s just an issue, like I said, structure is very important,” said Cora. “The great thing about 14 pitchers is that we can go on with certain guys longer in certain situations, and then you’re covered if something happens the next day. Length is therefore very important.
“That will be something we are looking for. And I think the guys who are in the mix can give us six outs. Some of them can give us nine in certain situations. So I’ll leave it at that. But I think the one we take in that spot, or those two spots, as you put it, they’ll be able to give us multiple innings. “