Shaughnessy - A Downer

My buddy Steve sent me the article by Dan Shaughnessy in today's Globe.  I'll start by saying that Dan is entitled to his opinion.  However, as a new season starts & expectations run high, it's a downer for all fans to read the article's tone of pessimism.  Can't we be happy for at least a month?  Yes, Koji is out to start the season.  I never really thought that the Sox counted on 2 more vintage years like 2013 out of Koji.  I also thought that his 2-year deal was at least partly given to him for his unbelievable year in 2013 that led to another World Series Championship.  Who thinks Koji at 40 years old is going to be outstanding again versus just serviceable as a closer?  That's why Mujica is around to close like he did at the end of 2014.  Yes, Dan, Cristian Vazquez is out too.  While Vazquez is a great defensive catcher, the Sox went out & got another 26 year old from the Nats, a defensive specialist who throws out 45% of runners, to backup Hanigan who is another more-than-adequate catcher.  And let's not forget that Swihart is available, if needed, after some time in Pawtucket.  Yes, Joe Kelly is staying back to build up his arm again, but also because the Sox don't need a 5th starter over the 1st 2 weeks.  And yes, we do not have a legitimate #1 starter.  Most teams only need 2 consistent starters throughout the season.  Look at KC & Baltimore last year who didn't even have that!  All we need is 2 out of 5 pitchers to have good years.  If I was guessing, I'd put my money on Porcello & Masterson, 2 guys in contract years.  So let's not paint a picture of total despair before the season starts.  There are questions with all 30 teams.  I bet not all of their fans are getting the downer treatment by their writers.