Why 2004 Red Sox Champion Impressed By Dynamic Young Core

The Boston Red Sox progressed with their young core in recent years and made the necessary additions this winter to deliver a playoff-caliber team.

Boston’s 2004 World Series champion Bill Mueller got an up-close look at that build when the Red Sox visited the Miami Marlins last July. Mueller previously served as an assistant coach for Miami and saw a youthful, dynamic team on the build.

“It’s a good combination, you’ve got some players with some speed that are dynamic,” Mueller told NESN.com. “That’s a good foundation with some pillars in place to help your team. Then, you figure out some of the pieces you’re missing and fill those. It looks like that’s what Boston’s doing. Man, that’s what you want to do. Keep stacking and keep building areas you’re deficient at. That’s exciting. It’s nice to be on a team that’s exciting. It’s not relying on one guy.”

Pitching and defense should make all the difference this year. Alex Bregman and more stability from Trevor Story and Ceddanne Rafaela should help behind new pitching additions such as Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet.

“If they get these guys on the ground and they’re picking it up, that’s good for the staff,” Mueller added.

The Red Sox start their path to a potential postseason berth on March 27 in Texas against the Rangers.