The Boston Red Sox have won the 2015 Chairman’s Cup.
The Red Sox and Minnesota Twins — two spring training residents of Lee County, Fla. — battle every year for the award previously known as the Mayor’s Cup. Boston has owned the series in 2015, going 5-1-1 in the competition’s first seven games (of nine).
The Sox clinched their ever triumphant Chairman’s Cup victory with an 8-5 win Thursday at Hammond Stadium. Boston’s offense again looked impressive, which could be a sign of things to come this season.
Let’s dive into some notes from Thursday, including the Red Sox’s major roster decisions.
— The Red Sox optioned outfielders Rusney Castillo and Jackie Bradley Jr. to Triple-A Pawtucket.
That means Boston’s major league outfield group will consist of Hanley Ramirez, Mookie Betts, Shane Victorino, Allen Craig and Daniel Nava.
Both Castillo and Bradley have had very good springs. Bradley was a long shot to make Boston’s Opening Day roster all along, but Castillo started camp as a legitimate big league candidate. Unfortunately for Castillo, an oblique injury paved the way for his demotion despite a strong showing since returning.
Don’t expect Castillo to remain in the minors for long, though. He’ll likely receive a call-up as soon as the Red Sox need an outfielder for one reason or another.
“He’s a young guy that is on a mission,” Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters in Fort Myers. “It doesn’t, in his mind, begin in fruition until that starts again in Boston. That’s in the near future, we just don’t know when.”
Bradley certainly sits behind Castillo in the organizational pecking order. His offensive improvement this spring has been very encouraging, though. He could make his way to Boston soon, too.
“I think Jackie has done a good job at making adjustments at the plate,” Farrell said. “He’s put up a number of quality at-bats. There’s a swing that he’s gotten back to that’s a swing that he’s used for most of his baseball career, and that’s a line-drive approach. He’s used the whole field.”
— Christian Vazquez underwent successful Tommy John surgery. He’ll miss the entire season.
— Sandy Leon appears to have secured the Red Sox’s backup catcher job. Humberto Quintero, who also was in the running, told reporters he’s been optioned to Pawtucket.
— Justin Masterson will pitch the third game of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Farrell.
The Red Sox’s rotation thus looks like this: Clay Buchholz, Rick Porcello, Masterson, Wade Miley.
Joe Kelly is scheduled to throw a minor league game Monday at Fenway South. The Red Sox should know after that when he’ll make his regular-season debut.
— David Ortiz might not play first base in game action before the Red Sox open up in Philly. Farrell doesn’t see it being an issue, though.
— Mike Napoli hit a mammoth home run in Thursday’s win. He’s dialed in right now.
— The Red Sox scored seven runs in the sixth inning. Quick-strike offense? You bet.
— Hanley Ramirez’s defense in left field remains a work in progress.
Ramirez made a nice running play in the corner in the third inning, but he also made a costly error in the fifth inning.
— Rick Porcello allowed one earned run on five hits over four innings in his final spring tune-up. He struck out three and didn’t walk anyone while lowering his Grapefruit League ERA to 2.57.
— Robbie Ross struck out one in a scoreless sixth inning. He has pitched well of late after battling some knee soreness earlier in camp.
Farrell said the Red Sox could carry three left-handed relievers to open the season. That means Ross, Craig Breslow and Tommy Layne all could make the club.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
