The Boston Red Sox kicked off their 2024 season on a high note, marking a 7-3 record during their 10-game West Coast road trip. This achievement is significant, not only for the wins but also for the exceptional performance of their pitching staff. Over six of these games, the team's pitchers kept the opponents to no more than two runs, establishing a new franchise record for the lowest earned run average (ERA) in the first 10 games of a season.
A Year of Improvement
This strong start is a welcome change from the Red Sox's performance in the previous season, where they finished with a record of 78-84. This placed them in the lower ranks of the league for the third time in four years, struggling in key areas like pitching. Last season, they ranked 21st in ERA and were 25th the year before, with their ERA+ rankings at 19th and 24th, respectively. These statistics pointed to a clear area of needed improvement, which seems to have been addressed with gusto in the early stages of the 2024 season.
Overcoming Challenges
The team has had its share of hurdles leading into the new season. Lucas Giolito, one of their pitchers, is expected to miss the entire season due to elbow surgery. Furthermore, an attempt to sign pitcher Jordan Montgomery during spring training did not come to fruition. These setbacks could have disheartened any team, but the Red Sox appear to have turned these challenges into opportunities for growth and change.
New Leadership
In a bold move signaling a fresh direction for the team, the Red Sox appointed Craig Breslow as the chief baseball officer, taking over from Chaim Bloom. Andrew Bailey, a former pitcher, was also brought in as the new pitching coach, replacing Dave Bush. This leadership shakeup reflects a strategic pivot, especially in how the team approaches its pitching.
A Different Approach to Pitching
One of the notable changes under the new leadership has been the team's approach to pitching. About 90% of the innings thrown during the road trip were by pitchers who were part of the team in 2023. However, the strategy on the mound has seen a significant shift. The Red Sox have moved away from an over-reliance on fastballs, a change that has paid dividends early on. This adjustment is particularly interesting when considering that the team faced three offensively weaker teams in pitcher-friendly ballparks during the road trip. It suggests that the Red Sox's early success isn't just a result of favorable matchups but also a testament to a well-calibrated strategy shift.
Validating the New Strategy
The positive start to the season validates the team's new strategic approach to pitching. "Pitching-wise, we're different. Everybody knows it," commented Alex Cora, reflecting on the shift in strategy. The team's transition away from heavy fastball usage showcases a willingness to adapt and tailor their approach to the strengths of their pitchers and the dynamics of each game.
The Impact of New Leadership
The story behind the hiring of Andrew Bailey as the pitching coach reflects a deeper bond and shared vision with Craig Breslow. The two, having been teammates, bring a level of understanding and camaraderie to the team's leadership, which seems to be influencing the Red Sox's approach to the game considerably. Under their guidance, the team has embraced a strategy that minimizes reliance on fastballs, marking a significant shift in their pitching philosophy.
As the 2024 season progresses, the Boston Red Sox's early performance indicates a team undergoing a transformative phase—both in leadership and on the field. The changes in pitching strategy, coupled with new leadership dynamics, have the potential to steer the team back to the top ranks of the league. Whether this early success will translate into long-term achievements remains to be seen, but for now, the Red Sox's direction under Cora's guidance, Breslow's oversight, and Bailey's coaching promises an exciting season ahead.