When a team finishes in last place and with a losing record -- as the 2022 Red Sox did -- there's plenty of room for improvement.
As such, the Red Sox spent approximately $80 million on free-agent deals and swung a couple of trades to upgrade the bullpen, bolster the rotation and address other roster needs. The changeover is significant: more than a third of the projected Opening Day lineup will be filled by newcomers who weren't with the organization at the conclusion of last season.
But underperforming teams don't just underperform because of on-field play. There are other variables at work, too.
In this era of analytics and heavy reliance on data, some intangibles still come into play, too. Which is why it was interesting to hear comments from center fielder-turned-shortstop Kiké Hernandez earlier this week. In an interview with "The Chris Rose Rotation'' podcast, said the Sox "needed some guys who were not just good on the field but had the ability to change the clubhouse.''
Hernandez identified Justin Turner as someone who fit that characterization.
"(Turner is) a guy that's going to help turn around that clubhouse,'' said Hernandez. "We're going to look a lot different this year and we need it.''
Interesting.
Alex Cora, reached Wednesday, politely declined to address the matter for now, but said he would answer questions next week, when he and others report to Fenway South for the start of spring training.
"I do think that we had a really high-character group in '22,'' said chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom, "and our newcomers brought great work ethic and professionalism. A good clubhouse is something I've always valued -- you really feel the difference it makes when you have it. It's a group effort to get there and everyone contributes.''
As disappointing as last season was for the Red Sox, there were no public reports of any issues in the clubhouse. With few exceptions, Cora believed the team played hard -- if not always smartly -- and there were no obvious conflicts among teammates. In fact, in the second half of the season, the only sign of discord in the clubhouse was directed toward management and the team's unfocused efforts at the trade deadline. Some players were unhappy that the team didn't do more to improve, some were miffed that Christian Vazquez was dealt. Later in the year, more discontent was shown with the surprising release of popular backup catcher Kevin Plawecki.
But in terms of infighting or discord between teammates? There was no evidence that was the case.
Then again, perhaps Hernandez may have been hoping for a more dynamic atmosphere, with veteran leaders stepping up when times got difficult.
It stands to reason that, with the addition, the Red Sox will also be without some important personalities on the roster. For the first time since 20212, Xander Bogaerts will not be part of the Red Sox roster. Also moving on were Michael Wacha, Nathan Eovaldi, J.D. Martinez, Eric Hosmer, Tommy Pham and Matt Barnes. Two other veteran players were lost around last summer's trade deadline: Vazquez and Jackie Bradley Jr., each of whom had long histories with the organization.
In the meantime, the Sox have added some veterans who may be able to fill that leadership void. Beyond Turner, the Sox signed free-agent starter Corey Kluber and closer Kenley Jansen.
Turner is known throughout the game as a valuable clubhouse presence, who is known to run pre-game hitter's meetings and provide plenty of input to teammates. Turner will essentially replace Martinez as the club's primary DH. Martinez, too, was an avid student of hitting and frequently worked with young hitters on swing mechanics and general offensive approaches.
However, away from the batting cage and video monitors, Martinez's general demeanor wasn't as outgoing. He wasn't the vocal, motivational force that Turner has been with the Dodgers.
Even with all the new additions, Hernandez has indicated a desire to be more assertive in 2023 and fill some of the leadership void himself.
"I understand the responsibility that falls on my shoulders,'' he said last month at the team's Winter Weekend festivities in Springfield. "I like to lead by example, but this year, I might need to be more vocal...The leadership role is one that I'm going to embrace.''
It's probably not a coincidence that the majority of the Red Sox' acquisitions this winter came from winning environments. Jansen, for instance, has been to the postseason in each of his last 10 seasons -- all but one with the Dodgers. Turner took part in October baseball in each of his nine seasons with L.A. Kluber was a member of a playoff team the last two years -- once with the Yankees, then with the Rays -- and previously was part of a Cleveland team that won the pennant in 2016 and qualified for the playoffs in both 2017 and 2018.
Merely being a part of a winning organization can bring value to a new team. Players who've been in that environment are accustomed to dealing with pressure and high expectations, and can help those who have not been in that situation.
"When we look at guys who we want to bring in,'' said Bloom, "we're looking for winning players who will embrace all of what the Boston baseball experience brings, who are good teammates, who are focused on the right things. When that focus takes hold of a clubhouse, you can put together a special year.''