Roche's Red Sox Look Back, Look Ahead: Positive Signs From Boston Offense
BOSTON (CBS) -- As we get set for Monday's home opener, we take a look back and a look ahead for the Boston Red Sox.
First up, here are three thoughts on what we've seen so far from the 4-2 Red Sox:
1. The offense should be good all season long. We thought it would dramatically improve with the signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval, and it has. The Sox have scored 34 runs through the first six games, good for an average of 5.7 per game. And, there are lots of positive signs elsewhere. Mookie Betts doesn't look overwhelmed, while Xander Bogaerts (11-for-27 with six RBI) looks comfortable at the plate. Dustin Pedroia looks healthy and back to his old self. All of this bodes well for a team that will need to put up some crooked numbers in order to contend.
2. The starting rotation has been good once through, but in the grand scheme of things it doesn't mean much... yet. However, Wade Miley and Joe Kelly were impressive in the Bronx while Justin Masterson showed what he can do if healthy. But, we proceed with caution because of what Clay Buchholz has done through two starts -- as Jekyll-and-Hyde as one could ever be. Stay tuned.
3. Koji Uehara needs to get back to the closer role. Edward Mujica is fine as a set-up man and he deepens the pen, but he is not reliable as a closer. I like Alexi Ogando, but he needs proper rest between appearances to be effective, much like Koji when he first arrived.
And now, we look ahead to a week of baseball at Fenway Park:
1. I'm really looking forward to watching Rick Porcello going forward. He's won 10 or more games in each of his six seasons, but his numbers aren't overwhelming. Now, we see the big money (four-years, $82.5 million extension) and will see if he keep getting better. It's clear the Sox love him, now, will the gamble of the big contract pay off as he venture through his 26-31 years?
2. I'm looking forward to watching Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez hit at Fenway. Will Sandoval spray the ball all over the place and will he take advantage of the wall? And, will Hanley end up with 60 singles that nearly knock down the wall?
3. The Nationals are a fun team to watch, and it starts with their rotation. Jordan Zimmerman would look great in a Red Sox uniform one day, while Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez will also be tough assignments for the week.
And finally, the home opener is always special. We have a lot to be thankful for as we begin another journey with the hometown team this summer. Enjoy the weather and don't be surprised to see a Lombardi Trophy or two before the game Monday. Just make sure you soak it all in!
Listen to Dan Roche chatting about Boston's home opener on Toucher & Rich:
Follow WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ.
