A Promising Start and High Hopes
The Boston Red Sox are off to an impressive start this season, boasting a 7-3 record. Their home opener, eagerly awaited by fans, will take place on April 9 at the iconic Fenway Park. However, not everything is smooth sailing for the team. Trevor Story, one of the team's key players, is currently sidelined due to injury.
New Relief on the Horizon
In the midst of this, the Red Sox have a silver lining in the form of new relief pitcher Liam Hendriks. Being a recent addition to the team, Hendriks is making significant strides in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Predicted to return in August, this marks Hendriks' first major surgery, a challenging milestone he's determined to overcome. Prior to joining the Red Sox, Hendriks courageously battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma, showcasing his resilience. With a commendable track record, including a three-time All-Star title and MVP votes, Hendriks signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox worth $10 million.
Despite the hurdles, Hendriks' ambitions remain high. He is aiming to participate in 81 games in a season while aspiring to surpass the 100-strikeout mark once again. His journey is not just about recovery but about proving his unwavering strength both before and after his battles with cancer and his recent surgery.
Free Agency Slowdown and Hendriks' Decision
The pace of MLB free agency has been notably slower, a situation complicated by the substantial deals signed by players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason. Hendriks, aware of the sluggish market, set a personal deadline which ultimately led to his commitment to the Red Sox. This choice reflects the private and often unpredictable nature of free agency negotiations.
Speeding Up the Game
One significant change in the 2023 season is the implementation of a pitch clock, introduced to expedite the pace of the game. Hendriks, commenting on this new development, suggests allowing pitchers the ability to call time. He sees merit in the clock, acknowledging its role in shortening game durations, yet he advocates for a more balanced approach to its implementation.
Voices from the Field
Contributing to the atmosphere and dynamics of the game, MLB is making an effort to highlight player personalities, a move Hendriks appreciates. Speaking on the matter, he shared insights on the Red Sox's performance and team spirit, "The Red Sox tend to play above their weight when it comes to what you see on paper compared to what they do on the field."
Reflecting on his rehabilitation process, Hendriks remains optimistic, stating, "It's going well... We're progressing pretty well. We're moving back to 90 feet [throwing]." This reflects not only his personal commitment to return to the game but also his positive outlook on recovery.
Hendriks' determination is evident as he discusses his career and future, "I've battled through some things in the last couple years so now it's going out there and proving to everybody else that, you know what, I did it before cancer, I did it before TJ and I'm gonna do it afterwards again as well." He also shares his long-term aspirations, "My goal is to get into my 40s and after that kind of play it by ear."
Addressing the slower pace of free agency, Hendriks offers his perspective, "(Free agency) was slower than normal...Some of the bigger signings...kind of depressed the market." He critically views the strategy adopted by some teams, "Some teams are willing to pay. It's just others are looking for an excuse to scare guys into taking less than they're worth, and that's all it is."
Finally, regarding the pitch clock, Hendriks voices a need for fairness, "OK, the batter can call time, why can't the pitcher? That would be my adjustment to that."
The contributions and insights from Liam Hendriks not only highlight his journey to recovery but also shed light on the broader dynamics and changes within MLB. As the season progresses, both Hendriks and the Red Sox continue to navigate their paths with determination, resilience, and a positive outlook.