A second opinion? Do you want a new ligament or an internal brace?

Garrett Crochet is on a Zoom now. He said he hasn't given much thought to the possibility of an extension, and is instead focused on getting ready for the season. "The opportunity to play for the market in Boston, the fanbase, that's as great of an opportunity as you can come by."

I largely ignored the work Garrett Crochet did in Chicago last season. 35.1 K%. 209 strikeouts in 146 total innings. Welcome to Boston, Garrett, where Andrew Bailey only wants you to throw strikes.

Aroldis Chapman huh? At least it's only a year. I get it, if you want to make sure people get the idea that the Red Sox serious this year then you got to get a name people know regardless of his makeup and generally shitty history.

Just here, waiting for news on Juan Soto.

Varitek (already the busiest man on the Red Sox) has an expanded role on the team for 2025. Now takes up a role of run prevention coach, indicating that development work (of course) isn't Andrew Bailey's alone.

www.bostonherald.com/2024/11/22/r...

Another coaching promotion from Worcester to Fenway, this time it's Jose Flores, who becomes first base coach. It's clear with these coaching moves that they want to preserve the personal and developmental rapport they have with the young core. Excellent decision.

www.mlb.com/news/red-sox...

A hearty congratulations to Chris Sale on his Cy Young award. A comeback season for the ages. It's entirely possible that he could have done this at Boston if he wasn't traded but who could have had that certainty?

Never been much interested in Sam Fender but this new song sounds much more developed. Then I find out it's basically an Adam Granduciel song with Fender on vocals. That has me interested.

You had me at intent. A Red Sox offseason begun with a genuine sense of optimism is a good feeling isn't it?

2023: Full Throttle
2024: Full Metal

The key offseason changes for Red Sox won't necessarily be player moves. The appointments of Dillon Lawson, as assistant hitting coach from a minor league role and Chris Holt as bullpen coach point towards a focus on continued progression of skill. Frustratingly, this seemed to be lacking in 2024.