Spring training is finally here for the Boston Red Sox. Pitchers and catchers reported last week, and the team will hold its first game next week. The Red Sox missed the playoffs last season, but they're hoping another worst to first finish in the AL East. While much of the Red Sox's roster is set, barring any injuries, there are a few positions up for grabs.
With that in mind, here are the Red Sox Spring Training Battles To Watch (And Who Will Win).
Starting Rotation:
The five pitchers the Red Sox will use this season are known. It's going to be David Price, Clay Buchholz, Eduardo Rodriguez, Rick Porcello and Joe Kelly. While Price is the unquestioned ace, the rest of the rotation is up in the air. Those last four could go in any order.
Winners: Buchholz-Porcello-Rodrihuez-Kelly
That this is even considered a spring training battle is a clear sign the Red Sox's roster is pretty much set. Buchholz seems likely to be the No. 2 pitcher, but spots 3-5 are wide open.
Outfield:
Mookie Betts is the starter in right, but Jackie Bradley and Rusney Castillo don't have center and left completely locked up. It's likely they'll win those jobs, but Chris Young has a shot. Bradley closed the year hot, but that was the one month he's actually hit consistently in. Castillo has yet to live up to the $72.5 million deal. If one of them struggled early, Young could get more time on the field
Winners: Bradley & Castillo
In the end, it should be Bradley and Castillo. While the Red Sox have Young, they want Bradley and Castillo to be worthy of starting. The Red Sox are betting on those two developing, and they're not inclined to fold at this point.
Catcher:
Blake Swihart is the likely starter, with Ryan Hanigan the backup. But don't count out Christian Vazquez, who missed all of last season following Tommy John surgery. He's better defensively than Swihart, and Vazquez could eventually push Swihart out of catching duties.
Winner: Swihart
Expect Swihart to remain the starter, with Vazquez starting the year in Triple-A. However, keep an eye on Vazquez throughout the season and long-term. For more Red Sox coverage, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.