Complete Boston Red Sox 2015 Spring Training Preview

After a disappointing follow-up performance last year to their 2013 World Series title, the Boston Red Sox look to get back on track in 2015.

The Red Sox spent big money this offseason to bolster their offense while also filling out a starting rotation that was dismantled at the 2014 trade deadline.  Combined with several established veterans and some rising young talent, this season's club is expected to once again contend for the playoffs.

Pitchers and catchers are due to report to Fort Myers, Florida, on February 20, with position players scheduled to arrive four days later on February 24.  What follows is the complete spring training preview for the 2015 Boston Red Sox.

Offseason Recap

Associated Press

Sandoval visits Fenway Park shortly after signing with Boston.

Key Additions

Player and 2014 Stats

3B Pablo Sandoval

157 G, .279/.324/.415, 26 2B, 16 HR, 73 RBI, 68 R

OF Hanley Ramirez

128 G, .283/.369/.448, 35 2B, 13 HR, 71 RBI, 64 R, 14 SB

C Ryan Hanigan

84 G, .218/.318/.324, 9 2B, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 18 R

SP Rick Porcello

32 G, 31 GS, 15-13, 3.43 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 129 K, 204.2 IP, 3 SHO

SP Wade Miley

33 G, 33 GS, 8-12, 4.34 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 183 K, 201.1 IP

SP Justin Masterson

28 G, 25 GS, 7-9, 5.88 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 116 K, 128.2 IP

RP Alexi Ogando

27 G, 2-3, 7 HLD, 6.84 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, 22 K, 25 IP

RP Anthony Varvaro

61 G, 3-3, 13 HLD, 2.63 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 50 K, 54.2 IP

RP Robbie Ross Jr.

27 G, 12 GS, 3-6, 6.20 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 51 K, 78.1 IP

RP Zeke Spruill

6 G, 1 GS, 1-1, 3.57 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 14 K, 22.2 IP

Analysis

The Red Sox added a pair of big bats to their lineup in All-Stars Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez.  They also acquired three established major league starting pitchers, Rick Porcello, Wade Miley and Justin Masterson.  Porcello is likely the best of the bunch, but he's not an ace.

After dealing away Jon Lester last season, Boston failed in its attempt to re-sign him or bring in a replacement of his caliber.  The club appears ready to head into 2015 with no clear No. 1 starter.

Key Losses

Player and 2014 Stats

OF Yoenis Cespedes

152 G, .260/.301/.450, 36 2B, 6 3B, 22 HR, 100 RBI, 89 R

3B Will Middlebrooks

63 G, .191/.256/.265, 10 2B, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 14 R

C David Ross

50 G, .184/.260/.368, 7 2B, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 16 R

SP Rubby De La Rosa

19 G, 18 GS, 4-8, 4.43 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 74 K, 101.2 IP

SP Allen Webster

11 G, 11 GS, 5-3, 5.03 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 36 K, 59 IP

SP Anthony Ranaudo

7 G, 7 GS, 4-3, 4.81 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 15 K, 39.1 IP

RP Burke Badenhop

70 G, 0-3, 13 HLD, 2.29 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 40 K, 70.2 IP

RP Alex Wilson

18 G, 1-0, 1.91 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 19 K, 28.1 IP

Analysis

The Red Sox did well to effectively replace everything they lost this offseason.  Ramirez will take over for Yoenis Cespedes in left field, and Sandoval represents a major upgrade at third base over Will Middlebrooks.  Ryan Hanigan slides into David Ross' backup catcher role, while Alexi Ogando and Anthony Varvaro can make up for the departure of Burke Badenhop and Alex Wilson from the bullpen.

As far as the rotation goes, Boston swapped out three inexperienced young pitchers, Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster and Anthony Ranaudo, for a trio of veterans in Porcello, Miley and Masterson.

Injuries Entering Camp

None.  MLB.com does not list any Red Sox players on its offseason injury report.

Dustin Pedroia had wrist surgery last September, but in January he declared himself "ready to go," stating that he plans on playing in every game this season, according to ESPN Boston's Gordon Edes.

Lineup Preview

Associated Press

New addition Ramirez is expected to bat cleanup.

Projected Starting Lineup

Player and 2014 Stats

1. RF Mookie Betts

52 G, .291/.368/.444, 12 2B, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 34 R, 7 SB

2. 2B Dustin Pedroia

135 G, .278/.337/.376, 33 2B, 7 HR, 53 RBI, 72 R

3. DH David Ortiz

142 G, .263/.355/.517, 27 2B, 35 HR, 104 RBI, 59 R

4. LF Hanley Ramirez

128 G, .283/.369/.448, 35 2B, 13 HR, 71 RBI, 64 R, 14 SB

5. 3B Pablo Sandoval

157 G, .279/.324/.415, 26 2B, 16 HR, 73 RBI, 68 R

6. 1B Mike Napoli

119 G, .248/.370/.419, 20 2B, 17 HR, 55 RBI, 49 R

7. CF Rusney Castillo

10 G, .333/.400/.528, 1 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R

8. SS Xander Bogaerts

144 G, .240/.297/.362, 28 2B, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 60 R

9. C Christian Vazquez

55 G, .240/.308/.309, 9 2B, 1 HR, 20 RBI, 15 R

Analysis

The Red Sox offense is stacked.  ESPN's Buster Olney projects it to be the best in baseball in 2015, stating that "Boston has more and better lineup options than any other team in the majors."  Even if future Hall of Fame designated hitter David Ortiz finally starts to show signs of old age, Ramirez and Sandoval should be able to pick up the slack behind him.

Just how great the Red Sox batting order is may hinge on the performance of 22-year-old Mookie Betts.  Betts only has 189 big league at-bats in his career, and he's not even guaranteed a starting spot in Boston's crowded outfield.  

However, Edes notes that Baseball Prospectus predicts Betts to have a WAR (wins above replacement) of 3.6, the highest on the team.  If the rookie proves to be a standout leadoff hitter, there's no telling what the Red Sox lineup can be capable of.

Rusney Castillo is also a wild card.  Slotted for the No. 7 spot in the order, Boston won't be relying on him for major production.  Entering his first full season in the big leagues, the Cuban slugger has a chance to put up some impressive numbers with several quality hitters in front of him.

Projected Bench

Player and 2014 Stats

OF Shane Victorino

30 G, .268/.303/.382, 6 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 14 R

OF Daniel Nava

113 G, .270/.346/.361, 21 2B, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 41 R

INF Brock Holt

106 G, .281/.331/.381, 23 2B, 5 3B, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 68 R, 12 SB

INF/OF Allen Craig

126 G, .215/.279/.315, 20 2B, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 41 R

C Ryan Hanigan

84 G, .218/.318/.324, 9 2B, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 18 R

Analysis

Brock Holt played every position besides pitcher and catcher last year and is the perfect utility player to fill in around the diamond.  Shane Victorino and Allen Craig represent above-average bats to keep on the bench, but there is likely no room for them in the starting lineup.  Daniel Nava has also shown he's an effective hitter when given the opportunity.

The Red Sox's depth is a huge strength that should make them more than capable of weathering potential injuries over the course of the season.

Rotation Preview

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

Can Porcello be the Red Sox ace?

Projected Rotation

Player and 2014 Stats

RHP Clay Buchholz

28 G, 28 GS, 8-11, 5.34 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 132 K, 170.1 IP

RHP Rick Porcello

32 G, 31 GS, 15-13, 3.43 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 129 K, 204.2 IP, 3 SHO

LHP Wade Miley

33 G, 33 GS, 8-12, 4.34 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 183 K, 201.1 IP

RHP Joe Kelly

17 G, 17 GS, 6-4, 4.20 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 66 K, 96.1 IP

RHP Justin Masterson

28 G, 25 GS, 7-9, 5.88 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 116 K, 128.2 IP

Other Rotation Options

RHP Brandon Workman

19 G, 15 GS, 1-10, 5.17 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 70 K, 87 IP

RHP Alexi Ogando 

27 G, 2-3, 7 HLD, 6.84 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, 22 K, 25 IP

Analysis

Barring any major surprises, Boston's starting five already appears set before spring training even begins.  However, the order they will pitch in is completely up in the air.

There is no obvious No. 1, but Clay Buchholz or Porcello should get the nod on Opening Day.  Buchholz is far and away the longest-tenured member of the staff, while Porcello put up the most deserving numbers a year ago.

Tim Britton of the Providence Journal writes: 

"

For all that the Red Sox have done to overhaul their roster this winter, their starting rotation remains their biggest question mark — and maybe the single biggest question mark in the American League East. 

...

There is a quintet of pitchers who have, at times in their careers, looked like top-line starters, but who have been inconsistent at maintaining that level for very long.

"

Boston.com's Chad Finn offers a similar sentiment: "Individually, they're all interesting. I just don't know how many of them we can count on to be, you know, good."

To echo the opinion of each of these writers, if all five Red Sox starters perform to the best of their capabilities, Boston's rotation has the potential to be very good.  On the other hand, if they trend toward their worst career numbers, some of which were last season, it could be a nightmare.

Bullpen Preview

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

The 39-year-old Uehara returns as Boston's closer.

Projected Bullpen

Player and 2014 Stats

RHP Koji Uehara

64 G, 6-5, 26 SV, 2.52 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 80 K, 64.1 IP

RHP Junichi Tazawa

71 G, 4-3, 16 HLD, 2.86 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 64 K, 63 IP

RHP Edward Mujica

64 G, 2-4, 8 SV, 3.90 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 43 K, 60 IP

RHP Alexi Ogando 

27 G, 2-3, 7 HLD, 6.84 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, 22 K, 25 IP

LHP Craig Breslow

60 G, 2-4, 5.96 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, 37 K, 54.1 IP

RHP Anthony Varvaro

61 G, 3-3, 13 HLD, 2.63 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 50 K, 54.2 IP

Other Bullpen Options

RHP Brandon Workman

19 G, 15 GS, 1-10, 5.17 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 70 K, 87 IP

LHP Robbie Ross Jr.

27 G, 12 GS, 3-6, 6.20 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 51 K, 78.1 IP

RHP Zeke Spruill

6 G, 1 GS, 1-1, 3.57 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 14 K, 22.2 IP

Analysis

Koji Uehara will be 40 years old by the time Opening Day rolls around.  The Red Sox are hoping Uehara's late-season struggles last year were just a temporary blip and not a sign of his skills diminishing.  Should Uehara falter, Junichi Tazawa appears the most likely candidate to step into the closer role.

Ogando, who started 48 games with the Texas Rangers from 2011-2013, is also a potential late-inning bullpen option.  Via Rob Bradford of WEEI, after Boston signed Ogando in late January, Red Sox manager John Farrell said:

"

The expectation [of Ogando] is to have a right-handed reliever who has had a lot of success late in the game, particularly against right-handed hitters. He complements the other right-handers we have in our bullpen with that hard slider he has. The contrast of style and experience, adds to a very good group.

"

Boston's current overabundance of outfielders suggests the club may carry 14 position players and 11 pitchers on the final 25-man roster.  But it's hard to envision the Red Sox getting through spring training without completing a move on that front.  Look for Robbie Ross Jr. to make the team as a second lefty option in a seven-man bullpen.

Prospects to Watch

USA TODAY Sports

Many eyes will be on Owens this spring.

SP Henry Owens

Not on the 40-man roster, Henry Owens will be in spring training as a non-roster invitee.  MLB.com's Prospect Watch rates Owens the No. 1 overall prospect in the Red Sox's system.  The 22-year-old is expected to pitch in Triple-A Pawtucket this season, but he's a good bet to see time in Boston at some point.

C Blake Swihart

ESPN Insider Keith Law ranks Blake Swihart as the 10th-best prospect in all of baseball as well as first among catchers.  Per Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe, Swihart is already working out at the team's facility in Florida.  Abraham writes:

"

One of Swihart’s goals this spring is to learn the nuances of all the pitchers on the major league roster in case he is called up during the season. The Sox are expected to start the year with Christian Vazquez and Ryan Hanigan on the roster but Swihart is next in line.

"I need to get to know these guys, what they like to throw. Every pitcher is a little different and I need to learn the techniques they have," he said. "That was one of the reasons to get here early, to build a relationship with these guys. My goal is to catch everybody at least once. I caught four bullpens [on Monday] and that was big for me."

"

An impressive Grapefruit League performance could have Swihart in the majors sooner rather than later.

SP Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes went 8-9 with a 3.95 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP in Triple-A in 2014.  Of all the Red Sox's young starting pitching prospects, Barnes is closest to being ready for the majors.  An injury or poor spring showing by one of Boston's projected starters might land Barnes in the big league rotation.

SP Eduardo Rodriguez

SoxProspects.com lists Eduardo Rodriguez as the No. 5 prospect in the Red Sox's farm system.  The 21-year-old lefty went 6-8 with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in Double-A last season.

RP Edwin Escobar

Edwin Escobar made two appearances in a September call-up with Boston a year ago.  Escobar has an outside shot to make the team as a left-handed reliever in place of Breslow or Ross Jr.

SP Brian Johnson

Like Owens, Brian Johnson will be in camp as a non-roster invitee.  The 24-year-old put up spectacular numbers in Double-A in 2014, going 10-2 with a 1.75 ERA and 0.93 WHIP.  Johnson is on track to begin the year in Pawtucket.

Position Battle Predictions

Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

Does Victorino have a future in Boston?

Center Field and Right Field: Rusney Castillo vs. Mookie Betts vs. Shane Victorino vs. Daniel Nava vs. Allen Craig vs. Jackie Bradley Jr.

No matter how you look at it, the Red Sox have too many outfielders.  Boston spent $72.5 million on Castillo last summer, so it's safe to assume he's going to get a starting spot.  And unless Betts struggles mightily in spring training, how can Farrell afford to keep the 22-year-old spark plug out of the lineup?

Despite the fantastic defensive abilities he put on display with the Red Sox in 2014, Jackie Bradley Jr. figures to begin the year back in Triple-A by default—that option does not exist for Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava or Allen Craig.  At least one of those three appears likely to be dealt before the season starts, otherwise Boston will have to sacrifice a bullpen spot in order to make room for three reserve outfielders.

Prediction: Castillo CF, Betts RF, Victorino and Nava bench, Bradley Jr. Triple-A, Craig traded

Opening Day Starter: Clay Buchholz vs. Rick Porcello

Based on last season's stats, Porcello wins this competition hands down.  However, in 2013 Buchholz was 12-1 with a 1.74 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.  Buchholz may also get the nod as a tribute to his career achievements in Boston.  He's pitched for two World Series winners and threw a no-hitter as a rookie back in 2007.

Prediction: Buchholz

Brandon Workman vs. All Other Starter Candidates and Bullpen Options

During the 2013 postseason, Brandon Workman looked like a star in the making.  He pitched 8.2 innings without allowing an earned run and was an instrumental part of the Red Sox bullpen for their title run.  As a member of the rotation in 2014 he won just once in 15 starts.

Now 26 years old, Workman is on the verge of being passed over in favor of other up-and-comers like Owens, Barnes, Rodriguez and Johnson.  Workman's chances of beating out Miley, Kelly or Masterson for the final starting spot look fairly remote.  There may not be a place for him in the bullpen either alongside fellow righties Uehara, Tazawa, Edward Mujica, Ogando and Anthony Varvaro.

Prediction: Workman goes to Triple-A