Boston --- In what was a disastrous 2014 season for the first full season of GM danpac47, things are looking A LOT better for the club in 2015. With a current record of (23-14), they are leading the AL Wildcard by 1.0 game over Toronto. Boston looks stronger, more serious, and ready to compete for a spot in the post-season, after 3 seasons of disappointment.
Although the Red Sox of 2015 are performing beyond many peoples' expectations, GM danpac47 knew in his mind that when he took over the organization back in the middle of the 2013 season, this team was already a winner. However, danpac was still adjusting to the pace of FCM when he took over the team, and in 2014, injuries and ineffective pitching were the focal points of the Red Sox struggles.
Following the 63-99 season in 2014, GM danpac made sure he would not let the fans and the city down and promised that Boston would soon be a contender in the AL east.
In the offseason, danpac first addressed his roster by acquiring Japanese free agent, RF Yamada Matsuo. "When I first heard about Yamada, I knew I had to have him in our lineup. His power was enough for me, but his consistent ability to hit the ball and play defense was more than we could ask for. He's also a left handed bat, something we desperately need in our offense." Matsuo is currently batting .303, with 7 homers and 28 RBIs.
During the free agency period, danpac then made his attempts to improve upon his starting pitching and bullpen. In his first trade of the offseason, danpac traded for closer Jose Valverde, who was previously with the club back in 2013. Valverde currently has 10 saves, with only 1 blown save.
Then danpac managed to sign free agentss in SP Jair Jurrjens, SP Trevor Cahill, and RP Edwar Ramirez. The three free agent additions are a combined 8-4 in 105 innings pitched. Jair Jurrjens, however, is on the 15-day DL.
In his last big move, danpac traded for 1B Prince Fielder. "Like Matsuo, Prince is a left handed bat too that can hit for power."
With two power bats now in the lineup that is healthy at the top with Che-Hsuan Lin leading off, Jose Lopez and Hanley Ramirez back in the middle of the order, and a good mix of righty / lefty - the Boston Red Sox lineup looks better than ever. Add in the rotation led by ace Justin Verlander, with new additions Jair Jurrjens and Trevor Cahill. Then the bullpen with new closer Jose Valverde... the Boston Red Sox are prepared for great things to come.
"I think I have come to realize the keys to success in Boston and it's obviously showing. I think as long as we continue to perform and stick to our game plan, nothing can stop us. That includes the Yankees who we already beat decisively earlier in the season. "
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