A Letter To Red Sox Brass

Dear Mr. Dombrowski & Red Sox Front Office,

I know you are very well aware, but a lot needs to be addressed this offseason. While there was a lot of hype going into this season, as well as high expectations, we’re bound for yet another last place finish in the American League East. We don’t take losing lightly in Boston. We expect playoff caliber teams year in and year out, with a legitimate chance to be World Series contenders. While I’m sure (or I hope) you have everything under control, I thought I would offer some suggestions to make your jobs easier and make the 2016 Boston Red Sox a first place team.

First, go get David Price. Please. Mr. Dombrowski, you traded for him once while you were the general manager of the Tigers, why not try to acquire him again? Since it is highly unlikely the Blue Jays will offer him a long-term contract at season’s end, it only makes sense for us to target him in free agency. This team clearly lacks a top of the rotation, ace pitcher, and who better to fill that role than Price. The former Cy Young winner is in the prime of his career at age 30, and could be the rock in our pitching rotation for years to come. As Jerry Maguire would say, “show him the money!” We have a lot of it.

Speaking of pitching let Clay Buchholz walk. I know from time to time he shows glimpses of being an all star caliber pitcher, but the inconsistency is too much. In his six seasons as a starter in Boston, he has only managed to get through the entire season in half of them. He has proven to be very injury prone, a type of player you aren’t able to count on when it matters most. If you do choose to pick up his option, please consider trading him. While we wouldn’t get much, it would be better than nothing.

Next, do not let Hanley Ramirez set foot in any part of the outfield next season. He can’t do it. Seriously, he is incapable of playing the outfield at a major league level. The outfield of the future has to be Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts and Rusney Castillo from left to right field, respectively. With that being said, I understand it will be challenging to find a spot for Hanley. Maybe let him try out first base. Considering he is an infielder by trade, the transition to first may not be as hard as you think. Also, if 40-year-old David Ortiz finally starts to wear down, Hanley would be a natural fit at designated hitter. Whatever the case, do not let him even touch the outfield grass.

Hopefully these suggestions make your jobs easier going into the offseason months. There is a lot of work to do, but I think a few strong moves could put this team right back where it belongs: a playoff ball club with legitimate World Series aspirations. If you need any more tips or suggestions, my schedule is very flexible and I am easily contactable. Look forward to seeing this team playing next October.

Sincerely,

A hopeful Red Sox fan