McAdam: Five thoughts at halfway point of spring training

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Three weeks down, three weeks (roughly) to go before the games start to count.

That seems like a good time for a grab-bag of thoughts, observations and opinions on the 2019 Red Sox to date.

1. I have a suspicion they're going to opt for a non-traditional approach in the bullpen.

As I wrote earlier this spring, they haven't ruled out a closer-by-committee approach, whereby they could either utilize their best reliever in the most critical high-leverage spots, or be guided by matchups -- rather than titles or roles -- for the ninth inning.

Manager Alex Cora continues to avoid answering the question, but hinted yesterday he had a good idea about what the Sox will ultimately do.

"We know who (the candidates) are. We know the stuff,'' he said. "It's just about the plan. The plan will be out there on March 28. If you get people out in the third or fourth inning (in spring training), does it tell you that much? It's a matter of what we do as an organization, what plan we're going to do and how comfortable we are with either a closer, or mixing it up or getting people out in certain situations.

"We still have a lot of days to see how we feel about it. We (just need) the best fit for the team. Like I've been saying all along, we've got people who are going to get people out late in games. We've just got to be sure everybody's healthy and ready to go for March 28. If that's the case, we'll go one way or the other, but I have a pretty good idea what I'm going to do.''

Does that sound like the words of someone who will anoint one pitcher as the designated (and traditional) closer?

2. Sometimes, players really are in the best shape of their careers.

Sure, it's a tired rite of spring for players to claim such, and more than a little self-congratulatory, too.

But in some cases, it's true. Case in point: Rafael Devers.

Devers doesn't have washboard abs. But he's noticeably lighter than last year, and that's reflected in improved mobility, both in the field and on the basepaths.

When the Sox were slow to bring him back from an injury rehab late last season, it's clear Devers got the message. And when he finally got back into the lineup, he slugged .509 in September. In the postseason, he managed only one extra-base hit, but showed a more discerning eye at the plate with a .351 on-base percentage.

In the offseason, he hired a nutritionist and improved his conditioning. Chalk it up to maturity.

3. The game's trend toward positional flexibility is obvious in Red Sox camp.

The Sox are taking a look at Bobby Dalbec at first base while having Michael Chavis play both corner infield spots and working him some at second.

Dalbec was drafted as a third baseman and is considered above-average at the position, with a plus throwing arm. But with Devers seemingly ensconced at third for the near future, it makes sense to get creative when it comes to getting Dalbec's bat in the lineup in 2020 and beyond.

The same goes for Chavis, who is otherwise blocked at a variety of spots, but could prove useful during the season should an injury take place in the infield.

4. The Sox' minor league system may be about to rebound.

As recently as 2016, the farm system was ranked among the Top 10 in the game. But a series of trades for established stars stripped the organization of a handful of top prospects. It's taken time to re-stock -- especially after finishing first in each of the last three seasons.

But there are encouraging signs. Beyond Dalbec and Chavis, there's Darwinzon Hernandez, a hulking lefty with a wipeout curveball, righty reliever Travis Lakins, recent picks Triston Casas and Nick Decker. And there's former first-rounder Jay Groome on the road back from Tommy John surgery. Things are improving.

5. I remain a skeptic when it comes to Eduardo Rodriguez.

Spend five minutes in camp and you'll hear someone -- a fellow starter, a member of the coaching staff, someone from Baseball Ops -- predict a breakout season for the lefty.

There's a lot to like, of course: Rodriguez has an array of plus pitches and has shown flashes of brilliance. But he's had difficulty staying healthy and being consistent. In four years with the Red Sox, he's yet to pitch 140 innings in a season.

His rotation-mates continue to encourage him. They attend his every bullpen session and try to instill him with confidence.

Every spring, great things are expected of the lefty. And every year (to date), he's fallen short.

He's a useful part of the rotation. But until there's further evidence, I have a tough time envisioning him reaching ace status. Until he shows otherwise, he's a tease.