State of the Red Sox

For 86 years after the sale of Babe Ruth to the Yankees and the legendary "Curse of the Bambino" the Red Sox built a cult following among baseball fans waiting for the spell to be broken.  It was in 2004 and the BoSox have won 3 more World Series Championships since.  They currently appear to be in a a rebuild mode after trading Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers for Alex Verdugo and prospects.

Ownership:  

The Red Sox are owned by Fenway Sports Group, Inc headed by billionaire John Henry and Tom Werner.  Henry made his stash trading commodities futures using a proprietary formula he developed.  Werner made his in television production. They have owned the team since 2002.  Although they seem to be in a pullback mode with payroll and in a rebuild phase, you really can't argue with the success of 4 World Series Wins under their ownership after 86 years of futility.

Grade A.

Management:  

Less than a year after winning the World Series, the Red Sox inexplicably fired Dave Dombrowski, who was all about raiding the farm system to win now, in favor the analytical approach of Chaim Bloom who they hired away from the Rays.  World Series winning Manager, Alex Cora, was let go in response to his role in the sign stealing scandal with the Astros.  The Red Sox had sign stealing issues of their own but less harsh penalties.  Ron Roenicke is the new manager. He is a veteran MLB manager and coach.

Grade B.

Current Roster:

Starting Nine:  Christian Vazquez C, Mitch Moreland 1B, Jose Peraza 2B, Rafael Devers 3B, Xander Bogaerts SS, Andrew Benintendi LF, Jackie Bradley Jr CF, Alex Verdugo RF, J.D. Martinez DH.

Bench:  Kevin Plawecki C, Michael Chavis IF, Kevin Pillar OF, Dustin Pedroia 2B.

Starting Rotation:  Eduardo Rodriguez LHP, Nathan Eovaldi RHP, Martin Perez LHP, Ryan Weber RHP, Colin McHugh RHP. (Ace Chris Sale is out for the season with TJ surgery).

Bullpen:  Brandon Workman RHP(Closer), Matthew Barnes RHP, Darwinzon Hernandez LHP, Josh Taylor LHP, Marcus Walden RHP, Ryan Brasier RHP, Heath Hembree RHP, Brian Johnson LHP.

This does not appear to be a contending roster even if Chris Sale was healthy.  He's not and this is no better than a .500 team.

Grade C.

Farm System:  

Jeter Downs SS heads MLB's list. I am a fan but don't see him as a #1 talent.  He is followed by Triston Casas 1B and Bobby Dalbec 3B/1B.  Bloom needs some more drafts and trades to build this up.

Grade C.