BANGOR, Maine — There have been a lot of changes in the offseason for the Boston Red Sox, and it has created a positive buzz as the team looks to go from last to first in the American League East.
Red Sox first baseman Travis Shaw and catcher Blake Swihart, who had impressive rookie campaigns last season, are excited about the season.
They answered questions from fans at the Gracie Theater at Husson University in Bangor on Thursday night, courtesy of a hot stove session put on by Townsquare Media.
Ace lefty and 2012 Cy Young Award winner David Price, who had the American League’s lowest earned-run average (2.45) last season while pitching for Detroit and Toronto, and four-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel, who had 39 saves for San Diego in 2015, headline the list of Red Sox newcomers.
“There’s a ton of excitement,” said Shaw. “There’s a lot of optimism. I think this year could be really special.
“There are a lot of changes to the pitching staff and it’s going to be beneficial for us,” he added. “The starting rotation should be a lot better, and the bullpen should be lights out.”
Swihart and Shaw were both drafted in 2011.
Swihart was a first-round draft choice out of Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, while Shaw was a ninth-round pick out of Kent State University.
Swihart, a shortstop in high school who was going to be a third baseman at the University of Texas until he decided to sign out of high school for a $2.5 million bonus, hit .274 for the Red Sox last season with five home runs, 31 runs batted in and 17 doubles in 84 games.
Shaw hit .270 with 13 homers and 36 RBIs over just 65 games. He also had 10 doubles.
Veteran Hanley Ramirez, a shortstop who made an unsuccessful transition to the outfield last season, is going to be given the opportunity to play first base this season, and Shaw is taking it in stride.
“That’s out of my control,” he said. “I’m going to spring training as if I’m going to be the starter, and we’ll see what happens. I’ll be ready to go. I’ll help Hanley as much as I can.”
Both players are versatile, and that could be important in landing them some playing time.
In addition to being a shortstop in high school, the switch-hitting Swihart played first base and left field for USA Baseball’s 18-Under National Team in 2010.
“Versatility has been a huge part of my career,” said Swihart, who added that he hasn’t been told by anybody in the Red Sox organization that he will be anything but a catcher this season.
Shaw played 55 games at first base but also spent eight games at third base and two games in the outfield.
The duo said one of the reasons the Red Sox had a better second half was the fact so many of them were teammates in the Red Sox’s minor league system.
“That’s what was special about our team and why we finished well,” said the 23-year-old Swihart. “We had played together before and had developed a chemistry.”
Both spoke highly of Orono native and Red Sox third base coach and infield instructor Brian Butterfield.
“Everybody has a lot of respect for him. He understands the game so well,” said Swihart.
“He is as good as it gets. He helped me tremendously at third base,” said Shaw, son of former standout major league closer Jeff Shaw.
They also feel privileged to be teammates of slugger David Ortiz, who will retire after this season.
“He is an all-around great guy and he always has your back,” said Swihart.
“He’s the most genuine person you’ll ever meet,” said the 25-year-old Shaw. a lefthanded hitter.
Shaw said one of the highlights of his season was being the first one to congratulate Ortiz after he hit his 500th career home run in Tampa.
Shaw and Swihart played several sports in high school and feel it is important for youngsters to diversify rather than play just one sport year-round.
“Football helps you for basketball, basketball helps you for baseball,” said Swihart, who was a top-notch wrestler.