People will argue "Dombrowski knows better than you do", which I will readily grant, but the dumpster fire known as the Red Sox pitching staff is laughable. Yes, I know we are spoiled this year coming off arguably the great Red Sox team ever. But the signs were there even last year. Sale has been laughable - and the only thing I can think of at this point since everyone swears it isn't physical is that he must be tipping pitches. If so it falls to the pitching coach to identify and "fix" the problem. But I honestly have zero confidence in Dana LeVangie's ability as a pitching coach. I recall thinking when I saw how spring training was being handled that it was a disaster waiting to happen. The pitchers did not appear ready to start the season andthe "we are pacing them so they will be strong in October" has blown up in their faces, as there isn't going to be October baseball in Boston. I have seen little if any growth in any pitcher on the roster in the past two seasons.
In 2004 the Red Sox won with honestly a suspect pitching staff - but it was the case where everything Theo did in that magical season seemed to work. Same thing in 2018 for Dombrowski. But in this day and age in the Show you can't be successful having a "closer by committee" - it simply doesn't work. Yes, the Sox are over a barrel because of the luxury tax but that is because of the very questionable decisions made on players like Steve Pearce and Mitch Moreland. IMO, those dollars would have been better spent on shoring up the bullpen that everyone knew coming into the season was a weakness. When coupled with the poor management of the staff's off-season preparation and spring training decision to "prepare for October" - you have your answer for why this season has turned into an unmitigated travesty.
Yes changes need to happen - and they aren't all made with on the field personnel...
In 2004 the Red Sox won with honestly a suspect pitching staff - but it was the case where everything Theo did in that magical season seemed to work. Same thing in 2018 for Dombrowski. But in this day and age in the Show you can't be successful having a "closer by committee" - it simply doesn't work. Yes, the Sox are over a barrel because of the luxury tax but that is because of the very questionable decisions made on players like Steve Pearce and Mitch Moreland. IMO, those dollars would have been better spent on shoring up the bullpen that everyone knew coming into the season was a weakness. When coupled with the poor management of the staff's off-season preparation and spring training decision to "prepare for October" - you have your answer for why this season has turned into an unmitigated travesty.
Yes changes need to happen - and they aren't all made with on the field personnel...
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