Let's Predict the 2023 Red Sox Season

[Rovin Romine]

It's time. How many games will this team win?

The poll above is to get a feel of how the Crowd in its Wisdom, leans.

But to qualify for the no-prize, in a post below, you must give the exact number of wins you predict. (You may edit or amend your post up until the first pitch is thrown in the first Red Sox game, so post now, and don't worry if someone gets put on the IL later in spring training. However, any edits after the first pitch disqualify the post entirely.)

In the case of a tie for exact number of games won, a final winner will be determined by greatest number of correct answers to the following tie-breaker questions:

-Team leader in Wins?​

-Team leader in Saves?​

-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)?​

-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)?​

-Team leader in HR?​

-Team leader in Stolen Bases?​

-Team leader in HBP?​

-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season?​

-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break?​

-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL?​

-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)?​

-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)?​

-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)?​

-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)?​

-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)?​

-Player with the greatest number of suspension days?​

-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break?​

​

​

Just thought I'd note in the opening thread that our winner from last year was @Hank Scorpio in a nose over @Curtis Pride.

 

[Yaz4Ever]

83-79

-Team leader in Wins? SALE
-Team leader in Saves? JANSEN
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? SALE
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? YOSHIDA
-Team leader in HR? DEVERS
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? KIKE
-Team leader in HBP? TURNER
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? STORY
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? KIKE
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? DUVALL
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? PAXTON
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? EDWIN DIAZ
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? VICTOR SANTOS
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? SOGARD
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? VERDUGO
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? KLUBER
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? VERDUGO

 

[Ale Xander]

87-75, WC3
Just like 1969, 2 years after a surprisingly good season

W-Sale
S-Jansen
ERA-Sale
AVG-Yoshida
HR-Devers
SB-Rafaela
HBP-Yoshida/Casas/Turner (3 way tie)
2B-Dalbec
CF-Rafaela
IL-Arroyo
No OD P-Mata
27+WAR Rafaela
27+WAR Jansen
2022 WAR Rafaela
Punch Jrod
Suspension Jrod
Facial Hair Verdugo

 

[phineas gage]

Team leader in Wins? Sale
Team leader in Saves? Jansen
Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Sale
Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
Team leader in HR?- Casas
Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi
Team leader in HBP? Turner
Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Hernandez
Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Paxton
Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Mondesi
Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR) Kluber
Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR) Yoshida
Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? No clue, I'll just say Verdugo
Player with the greatest number of suspension days?- As above
Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Winckowski (if he keeps it)

 

[DeadlySplitter]

I went 80-84 and no playoffs.

I do think there is room to surprise, a team or two is going to adapt really well to the new rules and come in way over projections and a team or two is going to adapt really poorly to the new rules and come in way under projections. Not sure this team is either of those.

Here's some random off the wall (well, some of them) picks:

-Team leader in Wins? Bello
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Bello
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Devers
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Hamilton
-Team leader in HBP? Turner
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Rafaela
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Sale
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Rafaela
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Paxton
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Turner
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Turner
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Turner

 

[KDAWG]

I voted 85-89 and think 87 is the number. The bullpen alone should make up several more wins from last year but injuries will still play a meaningful part to ~.500 ball. I still think it will be a fun season to watch.

-Team leader in Wins? Sale, 13. I think the wins will come from a wide variety of pitchers.
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen, 32
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Sale, 3.42
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Devers, .313
-Team leader in HR? Devers, 37
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi, 22
-Team leader in HBP? Casas, 13
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? E. Valdez. Arroyo and Mondesi will have their injuries leading to playing him out of need and it sounds like they really like him.
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Rafaela, I think the Sox will need Kike' at SS for the majority of the season. Not bullish on Story playing much this year.
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Whitlock.
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Mata
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Valdez
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Jansen
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Alfaro-It's gotta be El Oso!
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Duran
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Dugie

 

[Salem's Lot]

72-90, finish last in the AL East. Bloom is fired in September.

 

[Green Monster]

Optimistically went with 85-89 wins, although wouldn't be surprised if they were 80-84. Encouraged by the spring so far but gotta figure they will be "regressing to the mean" about the time the regular season starts

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

I picked 80-84 and I think it'll be 84 and the last spot in the WC with a first round victory over Houston.

-Team leader in Wins? Pivetta!!! (14)
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen (25)... but I think lots of others will pick up saves.
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Whitlock (3.25)
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Arroyo
-Team leader in HR? Casas (32) Devers (32)
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Kike
-Team leader in HBP? Devers
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Duvall
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Kike
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Paxton
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Turner
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Valdez
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Casas
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Houck
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Verdugo

 

[JM3]

85-77

-Team leader in Wins? Bello
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Bello
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Turner
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi
-Team leader in HBP? Casas
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? No one (but Arroyo will play the most games)
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Hernandez
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Sale
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Whitlock
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? None
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Turner
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Winckowski

 

[The_Dali]

Not looking at anyone's responses! Here are my thoughts:

I think 86 wins for this team...

-Team leader in Wins? I'll be optimistic with Sale. Second in line is Whitlock​

-Team leader in Saves? I'll go with Jansen​

-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? I like a healthy Sale for this as well​

-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida should win this one, but Verdugo could be next​

-Team leader in HR? Devers, barring injury​

-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi should run away with this one​

-Team leader in HBP? Verdugo​

-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Story​

-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Kike​

-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Kluber, but sadly Arroyo is likely second​

-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello​

-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story​

-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Jansen​

-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida, but Duvall could surprise​

-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Pivetta​

-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Tapia​

-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Verdugo​

 

[LogansDad]

94-96 wins and PLAYOFFS. I love this team.

95 wins

-Team leader in Wins? Sale (14)
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen (35)
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Houck 3.10
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida (.345)
-Team leader in HR? Casas (41)
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Duran (35)
-Team leader in HBP? Sale (pitcher), Hernandez (batter)
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Rafaela
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Duvall
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Mata
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Rafaela
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Mata
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Rafaela
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? None, it's all love, all year
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? None
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Schreiber

 

[chawson]

90 wins

-Team leader in Wins? Sale
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Martin if “qualifying” included relievers, otherwise Bello
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi
-Team leader in HBP? Kiké
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Kiké
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Crawford
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Mondesi
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? None
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Houck

 

[Daniel_Son]

88 Wins.

-Team leader in Wins? Kluber
-Team leader in Saves? Jensen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Bello
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Casas
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Duran
-Team leader in HBP? Casas
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Duvall
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Arroyo
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Paxton
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Mondesi
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? None
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Duran
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Winckowski

 

[streeter88]

79 wins. Originally lower, but was among the most pessimistic, staying with a sub 500 season though.

Re-edited March 28th 9pm US EST. Changes in Bold.

Reason for changes: Kluber and Duvall were not yet on the team when I orginally posted.

Edit:
-Team leader in Wins? Pivetta 10 Kluber 11
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen 21
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Bello 3.87
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida .323
-Team leader in HR? Devers 29
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Arroyo 10
-Team leader in HBP? Duvall 5
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Kike Duvall
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Sale
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Jansen Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Alfaro
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? n/a no player will be suspended in 2023
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Verdugo (no change just spelled out his name)

 

[Coachster]

79 wins

-Team leader in Wins- Kluber 9
-Team leader in Saves- Jansen 22
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)- Bello
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)- Yoshida (below .315)
-Team leader in HR- Devers 33
-Team leader in Stolen Bases- Mondesi 21
-Team leader in HBP- Verdugo
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season- Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break- Kike
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL- Sale
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)- Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)- Mondesi
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)- Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)- Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)- Alfaro
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days- none
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break?- Always Verdugo

 

[brs3]

90 wins, sneak into a wild card spot. I attribute this to the balanced schedule more than anything. That and Yoshida for MVP.

 

[Skiponzo]

84-78 Miss WC3 by 3 games or less.

-Team leader in Wins? SALE
-Team leader in Saves? JANSEN
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? WHITLOCK
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? YOSHIDA
-Team leader in HR? DEVERS
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? STORY
-Team leader in HBP? TURNER
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? KIKE
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? DUVALL
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? ARROYO
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? BELLO
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? VALDEZ
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? JANSEN
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? VALDEZ
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? TURNER
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? TURNER
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? VERDUGO

 

[chrisfont9]

91-71, probable playoffs but may be sweating it out.

-Team leader in Wins? SALE​

-Team leader in Saves? JANSEN​

-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? PAXTON​

-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? YOSHIDA​

-Team leader in HR? DEVERS​

-Team leader in Stolen Bases? MONDESI​

-Team leader in HBP? BAYLOR​

-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? STORY (plurailty, not majority)​

-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? HERNANDEZ​

-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? ---​

-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? WINCKOWSKI​

-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? ALFARO​

-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? KLUBER​

-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? YOSHIDA​

-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? MCGUIRE​

-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? VERDUGO​

-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? TURNER​

Honestly, roster wise I think some of my answers conflict with each other, but whatever.

 

[canyoubelieveit]

91-71, probable playoffs but may be sweating it out.

-Team leader in Wins? SALE​

-Team leader in Saves? JANSEN​

-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? PAXTON​

-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? YOSHIDA​

-Team leader in HR? DEVERS​

-Team leader in Stolen Bases? MONDESI​

-Team leader in HBP? BAYLOR​

-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? STORY (plurailty, not majority)​

-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? HERNANDEZ​

-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? ---​

-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? WINCKOWSKI​

-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? ALFARO​

-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? KLUBER​

-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? YOSHIDA​

-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? MCGUIRE​

-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? VERDUGO​

-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? TURNER​

Honestly, roster wise I think some of my answers conflict with each other, but whatever.

BAYLOR! Well-played.

 

[chrisfont9]

BAYLOR! Well-played.

Heh, it's the only HBP number that ever seemed strategic rather than happenstance. Just a total pro that guy.

 

[tims4wins]

So far this is more positive than I would have thought. 69/124 (55.6%) at 85+ wins.

 

[JM3]

So far this is more positive than I would have thought. 69/124 (55.6%) at 85+ wins.

Yeah...especially considering the Vegas over/under is 77.5 wins.

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

A good spring training, while completely meaningless in any sort of predictive way, can provide that hope that always springs eternal.
And so far, despite the injuries, there's lots of good stuff happening in ST. It's lifted my mood just a wee bit.

 

[simplicio]

85 wins

-Team leader in Wins? Sale (15)
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen (36)
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Sale (3.27)
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida (.319)
-Team leader in HR? Devers (34)
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi (29)
-Team leader in HBP? Turner (12)
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Mondesi (70)
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Rafaela (43)
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Duvall (62)
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello (3.1)
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Rafaela (1.9)
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber (2.4)
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida (4.3)
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Nobody
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Nobody
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Verdugo (why would anyone say Turner here?)

 

[tims4wins]

Yeah...especially considering the Vegas over/under is 77.5 wins.

Yeah I voted 75 to 79 so I'm with Vegas

Edit: apologies for the drive by nature of this edit, but I couldn't resist

 

[jteders1]

79-83, depth is still lacking.

-Team leader in Wins? - Sale
-Team leader in Saves? - Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? - Whitlock
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? - Devers
-Team leader in HR? - Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? - KiKe
-Team leader in HBP? - Justin Turner
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? - Valdez
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? - Kike
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? - Arroyo
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? - Mata
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? - Valdez
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Mata
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Valdez
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Sale
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? - Aquaman
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? - Schreiber

 

[Rovin Romine]

92 Wins.

It's a high volatility team, but I'm tired of the constant poo-pooing. So, 92 Wins.

I'm going with the idea that the health coin-flips will be positive for the 2023 Sox in a 2021 way - and there's a lot of upside to nearly everyone on the roster. I think the team is well-balanced for a Cora "starters play through the game" type offense. With health, the starters are better than last year (alas, alas, wither thou Wacha), and the bullpen will be surprisingly strong.

I think they'll be in the mix with the weaker schedule and the stronger farm system will translate into a Schwarber-like shore up for the final run.

I think the new rules will also benefit the team overall given youth, speed, and contact. But the Achilles heel will be strikeouts.

​

-Team leader in Wins? Sale
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Schreiber
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi
-Team leader in HBP? Turner
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Hernandez.
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Arroyo
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Mondesi
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Paxton
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Duran
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Duran
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Houck

 

[nvalvo]

88 wins, third place, and maybe a wildcard, followed by a fairly quick exit. We're in that Angels/Guardians/White Sox/Twins tier, behind the really good AL clubs. So I chose to be optimistic in the spirit of Undefeated Spring Training and say that we'd make the postseason, but there's not a lot of conviction there.

-Team leader in Wins? Whitlock
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Sale
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesí, with like 15.
-Team leader in HBP? Duvall
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? No one; Story takes a plurality with 60-something.
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Hernández.
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Duvall
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Paxton
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Verdugo
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Houck
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Winckowski laps the field.

 

[WV Sox Fan]

-Team leader in Wins? Sale
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Schreiber
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Kike
-Team leader in HBP? Kiké
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Kiké
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Brazier
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Dugie
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Dugie

 

[Yankeessuck4ever]

I went 75-79 wins, no playoffs, thinking they will win 77 games and be just under Vegas' prediction.


-Team leader in Wins? Bello
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Bello
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi
-Team leader in HBP? Turner
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Mondesi
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Tapia
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Paxton
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Mata
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Verdugo
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Braiser
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Verdugo

 

[Amos Otis regrets]

88-74, which is good for the third wild card. September is exciting, the sort of month where you bring a radio outside when doing yardwork. October is not so good.

-Team leader in Wins? Kluber
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Sale
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi
-Team leader in HBP? Turner
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? No one has a majority, but Arroyo has the most
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Hernandez
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Schreiber
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Paxton
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Mondesi
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Duvall
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Houck
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Verdugo
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Turner

 

[deythur]

89-73

-Team leader in Wins? Whitlock
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Sale
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Casas
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Duran
-Team leader in HBP? Alfaro
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Story
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Duran
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Paxton
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Alfaro
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Houck
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Kiké

 

[Minneapolis Millers]

89-73

-Team leader in Wins? Bello
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Sale
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi
-Team leader in HBP? Turner
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Hernandez
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Paxton
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Whitlock
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Turner
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Pivetta
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Mondesi
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Verdugo

 

[PhabPhour20]

89 wins for the 2023 Red Sox.

-Team leader in Wins? James Paxton
-Team leader in Saves? Kenley Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? James Paxton
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Rafael Devers
-Team leader in HR? Triston Casas
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Adalberto Mondesi
-Team leader in HBP? Rafael Devers
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Christian Arroyo
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Kike Hernandez
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Chris Sale
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? James Paxton
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Trevor Story
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? James Paxton
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Justin Turner
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Alex Verdugo
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Alex Verdugo
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Josh Winckowski

 

[chrisfont9]

Yeah...especially considering the Vegas over/under is 77.5 wins.

Vegas reads Pete Abe?

-Team leader in Wins? James Paxton
-Team leader in Saves? Kenley Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? James Paxton

My unscientific assessment is that the category where we vary the most in wins leader -- I've seen six different choices (although the Pivetta call was maybe semi-serious). Of course, it's not the stat we used to think it was, and the Sox seem to always have a guy they conspicuously hit for and another they conspicuously do not. But maybe the single most fascinating thing about this team is the wide variance in the performance of the rotation, from "why we were out of the playoffs by the end of July" to "why we are a legitimate contender to win it all." I guess I'll quote the stat that I first remember hearing from Schilling, that the team whose planned starters make the most actual starts will probably be the one who wins, or at least that would be the case for the Sox.

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

Vegas reads Pete Abe?

My unscientific assessment is that the category where we vary the most in wins leader -- I've seen six different choices (although the Pivetta call was maybe semi-serious). Of course, it's not the stat we used to think it was, and the Sox seem to always have a guy they conspicuously hit for and another they conspicuously do not. But maybe the single most fascinating thing about this team is the wide variance in the performance of the rotation, from "why we were out of the playoffs by the end of July" to "why we are a legitimate contender to win it all." I guess I'll quote the stat that I first remember hearing from Schilling, that the team whose planned starters make the most actual starts will probably be the one who wins, or at least that would be the case for the Sox.

Pivetta was no joke. One- I think he’ll make the most starts. Two- I think he’s going to improve significantly from his ‘21, ‘22. 3- wins are silly as we know…. The team will just be likely facing opponents worst SP and will score more during his starts. He may still have the worst ERA of starters.

 

[Max Power]

Pivetta was no joke. One- I think he’ll make the most starts. Two- I think he’s going to improve significantly from his ‘21, ‘22. 3- wins are silly as we know…. The team will just be likely facing opponents worst SP and will score more during his starts. He may still have the worst ERA of starters.

He may also be the only ERA qualifier, earning him the best on the team award by default.

 

[chrisfont9]

Pivetta was no joke. One- I think he’ll make the most starts. Two- I think he’s going to improve significantly from his ‘21, ‘22. 3- wins are silly as we know…. The team will just be likely facing opponents worst SP and will score more during his starts. He may still have the worst ERA of starters.

OK! Well, as much as I am rooting for Pivetta -- not only a paesano but a fellow PNW'er! -- I think if he's their best pitcher in any category apart from complete games (!) then things have either gone spectacularly right for him or we are slogging through another slew of injuries.

 

[pk1627]

90 wins, wild card
Headline: Yoshida, Casas and Mondesi are for real. Young starters emerge. We write haikus of praise for the pen.

-Team leader in Wins? Whitlock
-Team leader in Saves? Jansen
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Sale
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi
-Team leader in HBP? JT
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Story
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Kike'
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Duvall
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Yoshida
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? None
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Sale
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Casas

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

OK! Well, as much as I am rooting for Pivetta -- not only a paesano but a fellow PNW'er! -- I think if he's their best pitcher in any category apart from complete games (!) then things have either gone spectacularly right for him or we are slogging through another slew of injuries.

Again... we're talking about wins. Wins. Talking about "wins"..... he could pitch 5 just okay innings and walk away with a win.


That said, I'm bullish on him turning the corner this season. But not to being the best pitcher on the staff... to just getting the most WINS.

 

[YTF]

Again... we're talking about wins. Wins. Talking about "wins"..... he could pitch 5 just okay innings and walk away with a win.


That said, I'm bullish on him turning the corner this season. But not to being the best pitcher on the staff... to just getting the most WINS.

In this day and age when you turn the ball over to the pen for four innings you need to be fortunate enough to have a healthy lead to go along with "5 just okay innings" Granted the Sox pen should be much improved, but there aren't to many pens that are going four innings of 2 runs or less on the regular.

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

In this day and age when you turn the ball over to the pen for four innings you need to be fortunate enough to have a healthy lead to go along with "5 just okay innings" Granted the Sox pen should be much improved, but there aren't to many pens that are going four innings of 2 runs or less on the regular.

Once again…. He’s likely going to be slotted against opposition teams worst starting pitcher…. And “could” go 5 innings and get a win is different than saying “he will”. Any pitcher could and get the win (I believe to qualify it’s 5, yeah?).
I don’t think he’s going to be the best pitcher… just the winningest. And around 13. Sale could have 12, Whitlock 12, Bello 12 , etc….

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

That’s not really how it works. Teams have different days off, injuries, etc. Even if teams slotted their starters in order of quality, I’m not sure the same #s (1 v 1, 2 v 2) would face off against each other all that frequently.

 

[JM3]

I mean, I don't think it's going to happen & I'm still hopeful that people will come back healthy & bump Pivetta to foreign lands, but it's not like crazy - Pivetta was awful last year & still was 2nd on the Red Sox in wins, only 1 behind the leader. Of course, he had 7 more starts than anyone else & that seems unlikely to happen again, but we shall see.

 

[Rovin Romine]

And here I was, curious at the end of a long day to see if we had more predictions.

 

[YTF]

Once again…. He’s likely going to be slotted against opposition teams worst starting pitcher…. And “could” go 5 innings and get a win is different than saying “he will”. Any pitcher could and get the win (I believe to qualify it’s 5, yeah?).
I don’t think he’s going to be the best pitcher… just the winningest. And around 13. Sale could have 12, Whitlock 12, Bello 12 , etc….

I'm not disputing your prediction or reading anything more into this than what you wrote, just pointing out that the way the game is played today we see lots of guys leave games with leads that aren't held up. He's going to need help from the offense to build leads that the pen can protect if he's going to be the team's winningest pitcher

 

[YTF]

And here I was, curious at the end of a long day to see if we had more predictions.

I voted 85-89 wins and narrowing that down to 87
-Team leader in Wins? Bello
-Team leader in Saves? Houck
-Team leader in ERA (qualifying)? Sale
-Team leader for Batting Average (qualifying)? Yoshida
-Team leader in HR? Devers
-Team leader in Stolen Bases? Mondesi
-Team leader in HBP? Casas
-Player who plays the majority of 2B games this season? Story
-Player who plays the majority of CF games after the All-Star Break? Hernandez
-Player who makes the Opening Day Roster (26 man), who subsequently spends the greatest number of days on the IL? Arroyo
-Pitcher not on the Opening Day Roster (26 man) who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Bello
-Position Player not on the Opening Day Roster who makes the greatest subsequent contribution (WAR)? Story
-Pitcher not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Kluber
-Position Player not on the 26 man roster at any point last year (2022) who makes the greatest contribution (WAR)? Turner
-Player to throw the first punch of the year (no shoves - a true swing)? Tapia
-Player with the greatest number of suspension days? Tapia
-Stupidest Facial Hair at All-Star Break? Winckowski

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

I'm not disputing your prediction or reading anything more into this than what you wrote, just pointing out that the way the game is played today we see lots of guys leave games with leads that aren't held up. He's going to need help from the offense to build leads that the pen can protect if he's going to be the team's winningest pitcher

Yes. It’s just a silly prediction but hell, there’s no money involved so why not guess something that’s less likely.
That said…. I am guessing he’ll make the most starts throughout the season. Possibly not miss one scheduled start at all, so he will have the most chances. Im also aware that no.5 vs no.5 starter matchups quickly get disrupted but there’s a higher likelihood of him facing lesser pitching opponents, maybe 3…4 times more over a full season than the “no.4” starter, so that’s something to figure the offense May put up 5 runs to his allowing 3.5 over 5-6 innings.
But mostly I think he’s going to improve significantly over last season, enough to not require leaving the BP with no margin of error.
Anyone care to bet which SP will make the most starts?

 

[cantor44]

80-82.

But a fun 80-82, that offers spasms of hope for good things to come. Some of new guys play well. But too many brittle bodies and not enough thump to get over the hump. But a few pieces in place for the next Red Sox playoff team.