Here’s a look at the Red Sox Opening Day Roster

Late last month, Chowdaheadz projected the Red Sox Opening Day roster and surprise, surprise, we basically nailed it. The one difference is we had Rusney Castillo starting in left field because of how much money Boston is paying him and it came before the announcement that Brock Holt would be seeing some time in left field. Here’s an updated look at the official roster headed into tomorrow’s game against the Cleveland Indians:

Starters:
David Price — Making the start tomorrow. Could he win the Cy Young?
Clay Buchholz — Buchholz is the most proven arm in the Sox organization. They like him a lot.
Joe Kelly — Kelly was flashy late last season and has shown he can be great — at times.
Rick Porcello — Spring Training wasn’t too friendly on Porcello. But he is making the big bucks.
Steven Wright — The knuckleballer fills in for an injured Eddie Rodriguez.

Bullpen:
Craig Kimbrel — If you’re trailing in the ninth, better start praying.
Koji Uehara — See above but substitute ninth with eighth.
Matt Barnes — Velocity helps Barnes’ case to see big innings.
Robbie Ross Jr. — The most proven left-handed reliever the Sox have.
Junichi Tazawa — The longest-tenured member of the bullpen.
Tommy Layne — Hopefully he can get lefties out like he has in the past. He was a little shaky this spring.
Noe Ramirez — Filling in for Wright as the long man until Eddie returns.

Starting Nine:

Blake Swihart (C) — Christian Vazquez isn’t ready.
Hanley Ramirez (1B) — He’s looked… good at first base. Could surprise a lot of people.
Dustin Pedroia (2B) —  His biggest focus will be staying healthy.
Xander Bogaerts (SS) — Potential franchise player.
Travis Shaw (3B) — No doubt he earned this one.
Brock Holt (LF) — Not tremendous against righties, but a lot better than Rusney.
Jackie Bradley Jr. (CF) — Some power and elite defense. That is a nice mix.
Mookie Betts (RF) — MVP?
David Ortiz (DH) — Should be good for 30 home runs in his final season.

Bench:

Ryan Hanigan (C) — The veteran will back up Swihart — for now.
Pablo Sandoval (3B) — The ferrari will be left in the garage. His lack of versatility is not much of an asset.
Chris Young (OF) — Fourth outfielder. A force against lefties.
Rusney Castillo (OF) — That’s one expensive fifth outfielder. Also strong against lefties.

DL

Eddie Rodriguez (SP) — Should be huge when he returns.
Carson Smith (MR) — When he is ready, the Sox bullpen will be dangerous.
Brandon Workman (RP) — Coming off Tommy John Surgery. Could help the bullpen down the stretch.
Christian Vazquez (C) — Should open the year in Pawtucket on “rehab”.