Pitchers and catchers officially report for the Red Sox today. While most Red Sox fans are excited that spring is around the corner, I’m thinking more about what the upcoming season has in store for the Red Sox. I have five questions that I am hoping can be answered by the end of spring training. 

1. Can Hanley Ramirez Actually Play First Base? I don’t think he can but I’m hoping he can if that makes any sense. The Red Sox need Ramirez to play first base. If he can prove that he can play the position this spring, it would save the Red Sox and their fans a lot of headaches. 

2. The Rest of the Rotation: We know David Price will stabilize the starting rotation and give the Red Sox the ace they so desperately lacked last season but what about the rest of the rotation? I don’t buy this pitching staff. People need to temper their expectations when it comes to Eddie Rodriguez. He’s still a young pitcher. Clay Buchholz is…..well, he’s Clay Buchholz. He can’t stay healthy. I hope Rick Porcello bounces back but that’s not a given. Joe Kelly has great stuff but he’s also wildly inconsistent and I question his mental toughness. This rotation has a lot of question marks right now. I’m not sold on them. They need to prove themselves this spring.

3. Can the Panda Bounce Back Again? The Red Sox need Pablo Sandoval to bounce back. It doesn’t look like he’s come into camp in shape again. That’s been an issue for him throughout his career. If the Red Sox are going to turn things around, this guy needs to hit. If he doesn’t, the Red Sox offensive problems will continue. 

4. The Outfield Shuffle: We know Mookie Betts will be the everyday center fielder but what about right field and left field? The Sox have a lot of question marks. Can Rusney Castillo take the next step and be an every day player? Has JBJ done enough to be the everyday right fielder? Will Chris Young end up starting? These are all questions that need to be answered as the Red Sox go through spring training. You get the sense that the outfield could be a revolving door this season. 

5. What Will Papi Say? This will be David Ortiz last spring training as a player with the Red Sox. What will he say in his annual state of the Red Sox when he arrives? I’m curious to see if he thinks the Sox could contend in his final season in the big leagues. I’m sure he’ll have plenty to say.