FORT MYERS, Fla. – After an offseason characterized by endless frustration, inaction and great anticipation, baseball is finally on its way. It’s been over two weeks since pitchers and catchers reported to Red Sox camp, and in that time we finally got a chance to see this year’s team in action.What did we learn? Have the Red Sox addressed their weaknesses from last year? Are there players who could be in line for the exit? And most importantly,
is the team good? We won’t know for sure until Opening Day, but for now, here are 10 takeaways from the first two weeks of Red Sox camp.1. Rafaela has a real chanceThe biggest unanswered question about the Opening Day roster is whether or not Ceddanne Rafaela will be included. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the 23-year-old rookie will challenge for Boston’
s center field, and if he wins the job, it could have a significant domino effect on the rest of the roster. “Neill or rookie Wilyer Abreu playing time. . Bench outfielder Rob Refsnyder could also be a prospect
casualty in that case, or the Red Sox could end up trading an established prospect to make room for the kids.Regardless of what else happens, there is no one else roster decision will be more important than that..The Boston Red Sox front office has been urged by fans and their stars alike to do more to bolster the team’s roster.And that became one of the team’s biggest concerns — especially after Chris Sale was traded to Atlanta . Braves – The Red Sox could be a landing spot for free agents Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell. Or, as Zachary Rotman predicted for FanSided, it could mean landing Chicago
White Sox ace Dylan Cease in a blockbuster deal.”Boston entered the offseason in dire need of upgrading its rotation,” Rotman noted. “If the Red Sox don’t want to waste a lure like Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, they should seriously consider the trade market. If this Red Sox team gets Cease, a legitimate ace, they can at least contend for the AL Wild. A spot.”\ n.
