I always like to see the first 20 or so games before forming an opinion on the BJ's...
This team is a totally new team from what it has been the past 2 or 3 years. There are 15 players now on the active roster that were not on the active roster 1 year ago.
Totally new up the middle, where winners are usually made and lost. Martin is a big upgrade from Navarro. Pompey at least is not a rally killer strikeout artist like Rasmus was and is at least as good, probably better, on the field. And what can you say about Travis that is not wrapped in super superlatives?
On the left side, Donaldson is a huge improvement over that other inconsistent, strikeout artist, Lawrie. And we shall see how Saunders rates against Melky... I assume better defense but not as good hitting for average but more power.
Smoak seems more versatile and with much greater potential than hot-and-cold Lind. As much as I like Gose's speed he just could not hit here and Pillar is a vast improvement for fourth outfielder.
Buehrle, Dickey, Hutch, Cecil and Loup are the only pitchers from last year's regular roster. Norris, Osuna, Castro, Hendricks, Francis and Estrada seem like good upgrades over Happ, Morrow, Delabar, Rogers and Redmond... but pitching is still an unknown quality. I am intrigued by Castro and Osuna. Surely Sanchez will deliver, too!
Overall, a much better balanced team with fewer weak spots. And the attitude and body language seems much more positive and professional. But like all BJ teams over the past many years, still under performing and not firing on all cylinders.
To me, management and coaching are still the main weakness though I think Jacoby is a much better hitting coach.
If they can develop consistency, I think they will win the East but I also think the Red Sox may become a power.
Lets see where they are at the end of May! :eyebrows:
Perry
