Ken Rosenthal Explains Why Red Sox 'Will Remain Intact' For Now originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Memorial Day is only a week away, and the Boston Red Sox still haven't shown any signs of turning their season around. They've lost three straight series and remain mired in last place in the AL East at 19-27.
Fortunately for them, however, the American League is incredibly weak this year. Despite having the third-worst record in the AL, the Red Sox are only three games out of a playoff spot entering play on Monday.
Boston is only one hot streak away from vaulting into contention. Accordingly, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal doesn't expect the Red Sox to start breaking up their team and trading away pieces anytime soon.
"They're not going to give up yet… The American League is weak… They certainly pitch well enough," Rosenthal said on Monday's episode of "Foul Territory." "Now, come July, if it's not looking great, then you do sell pieces off. But you don't give up yet… The Red Sox will remain intact, at least for the foreseeable future."
Boston still has a 32.7 percent chance of making the postseason, according to Baseball-Reference, while FanGraphs gives them a 25.6 percent chance.
So for now, expect the Red Sox to be patient as they wait for their slumbering offense to heat up and their new coaching staff to settle in. If anything, they may try to add a bat or two rather than deal players away, although that could be easier said than done.
Fortunately for Boston, a lot can change between now and late July, so they still have plenty of time to get on track over the next two months.
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