A Silver Lining for the Sox 

By Maria Santora 10/13/15
The Boston Red Sox ended the season in last place, out of playoff contention, a below .500 record, and with four consecutive losses against the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians. Does it sound like it could get any worse?

Well, in fact it can. The Sox had not finished in last place in consecutive seasons since 1930. Not the kind of history the team was looking to make this season.

Even taking all of these factors into consideration, interim manager Torey Lovullo sees a silver lining in a disappointing 2015 season.

“I’m proud of what we did here,” interim manager Torey Lovullo said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled with what they did to lead into 2016.”

Lovullo could be right. Despite the losses, not all of 2015 went horribly wrong.

Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts emerged from this season with legitimate star potential.

Betts is just one of seven other players in Major League history to hit 40 doubles, 15 home runs, and steal 20 bases in a single season before the age of 23 (or younger).

Among this list, New York Yankees third baseman, Alex Rodriguez (on the Mariners at the time of the achievement) and New York Mets Infielder, David Wright.  Adding his name to this list of illustrious stars proves how productive he has been so far and how effective he could be as he continues to develop.

Xander Bogaerts in his last seven games had six hits and five runs. He ended the season with a .320 batting average, which is the highest average on the team.

Brock Holt, a versatile player for the Sox believes the team has the ability to be successful for many years with these guys in the lineup.

“I don’t think we’re very far away with the young talent we have. Mookie [Betts] and Bogey are two of the better players in baseball, I think,” Holt said. “We have the makings of a really good team and a good team for quite a while.”

Despite the losing record, Holt similar to Lovullo sees a silver lining.

“The last month and a half, we’ve been playing really well as a team, Finishing strong and that’s what you want to do. Hopefully that leads into next season. It has been a lot of fun, “ he said.

The season also concluded with uplifting news about manager John Farrell.  He recently ended his last round of chemotherapy treatment and announced his return to the dugout in 2016.

“It’s great news,” said Lovullo, Boston’s bench coach and Farrell’s close friend who took over the club on Aug. 14. “We’re excited because we’re looking for his good health.”

A new front office, a positive attitude amongst the players and staff, and Farrell recovering could mean big things in 2016.