Podcast Ep #353: Spring Check In with Lou Merloni

Ian is joined by former Red Sox infielder and current NESN primary color analyst Lou Merloni to discuss all the happenings in Spring Training so far. The start off talking about how this camp feels different to past years and Lou’s initial impressions of the big three. They then move into an in-depth discussion of the major camp storylines and position battles, starting with what to do at second base and third base defensively and then who slots in if Wilyer Abreu isn’t ready for opening day. After that, they talk about the potential starting pitcher options if Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello aren’t ready for opening day, including spring standout Richard Fitts and Quinn Priester. Finally, they close by talking about Austin Adams and Luis Guerrero’s impressive performances and what the ideal bullpen construction is.

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Fort Report: Pitching injuries raise questions about Red Sox rotation

Spring training is in full swing and several of the top prospects in the Red Sox minor league system have received regular playing time in the first week and a half of major league games. With Opening Day just over three weeks away, there are several questions about which players will break camp and head to Texas with the big league club. 

Rotation depth tested by early injuries

During the offseason, Boston's collection of six established major league starting pitchers generated speculation that the Red Sox might consider a six-man rotation during the 2025 season. However, Boston's rotation depth has been put to the test early in spring training, as Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Lucas Giolito have been slowed by injuries and are yet to make their first appearances of the spring. At the moment, it appears that Crawford is least likely to be a part of the Opening Day roster. Crawford has been battling soreness in his right patellar tendon, stemming from an injury that he pitched through for most of the 2024 season, and has struggled to put weight on his right knee thus far in spring training. 

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