Critics were circling around Chaim Bloom in April when the Red Sox stumbled out of the gates, so it’s only fair that we praise Boston’s top executive now that the team has done a complete turnaround, writes John Tomase.
But the most damning criticism of all was this: Is he really just a small-market GM?
For his part, Bloom acknowledged the struggles, but preached patience. The lineup boasted too much talent to rank at the bottom of the American League in runs. When the weather warmed, the offense would, too. And he actually liked what he had seen out of an unheralded rotation, but after a shortened spring training, starters wouldn't be stretched out until May. As for the bullpen, he recognized the need for upgrades, but also believed the right pieces could potentially emerge from within.
While the holdover superstars are certainly doing their thing, it's only fair to give Bloom his due, too. After all, he's the guy who saw something in underachieving Phillies right-hander Nick Pivetta, acquiring him for right-handers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree in 2020. If the All-Star Game were held today, Pivetta would have a strong case for inclusion after opening 7-5 with a 3.31 ERA.
But the Red Sox noticed how much better he pitched in September after shelving a grossly ineffective cutter, and believed he could maintain that success over a full season. Wacha may not light up the Statcast leaderboards, but his changeup is filthy and he keeps the ball in the park. At some point, what he's doing isn't a fluke.
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