Time to Blow it Up?

 

Well, this year has been absolutely brutal for the Red Sox this season.  It started off of course with the trade of Mookie Betts, a trade that brought a productive player in return (though he is by no means Mookie Betts), as well as two decent prospects.  In fact, Jeter Downs has recently been named the team's top prospect.  Then Chris Sale had to have Tommy John surgery.  Then Eduardo Rodriguez was unable to come back from his COVID-related maladies.  That has resulted in a patchwork pitching staff that has not gotten off to a good, or even mediocre, start, and an offense that is missing its best player from last season.  

The pitching has been horrific and the hitting, constantly behind in games, has been unable to make up for the bad pitching.  It is probably time to hit the reset button.  Trade away all players who are not under contract for the foreseeable future and bring in some young blood.  Then, hit the pitching free agent market hard in the offseason.  Maybe in a couple of years, they can make it back to contention.  

The card pictured is Brandon Workman, a nice insert from Select.  I was excited about this card because Workman does not have a lot of cards out there and he had a terrific season last year.  Unfortunately, due to his impending free agency, Workman is exactly the kind of player Boston should be shopping, particularly if they can get a good haul from a team like the Cubs or Padres.  I like Workman a lot, but Boston does not need a lights-out closer when they cannot even get deep into a game with a lead.  So as much as I hate to say it, Workman should be traded.  As should Jackie Bradley Jr. (another player who I am a huge fan of), Kevin Pillar, Mitch Moreland and J.D. Martinez.  Let's see what kind of young talent Boston can accumulate and start over next season.