Daily Red Sox Links: Christian Vazquez, Andrew Benintendi, David Price

Christian Vazquez is hungry for more playing time. After posting a career-high OPS+ of 92 in 2017, he is certainly entering 2018 with momentum, as he has developed a bit more pop to go with his strong defensive work. (Jason Mastrodonato; Boston Herald)

Andrew Benintendi is another young player who wants to increase his impact for the Red Sox. He is projected to slash .272/.345/.446 with 18 home runs by PECOTA, which would be a step forward in terms of the triple slash line, but a bit of a drop in power. Either way, he is poised to make another step forward in his age-23 season. (Jason Mastrodonato; Boston Herald)

Expectations around the Red Sox have been inflated for some time, which is why back-to-back division titles don’t seem to be enough. Perhaps with some bounce back efforts from guys like Xander Bogaerts and Hanley Ramirez, the Sox can push forward. (Scott Lauber; ESPN)

Along with getting rejuvenated seasons from players in the lineup, a healthy and effective David Price will be a major help. While he hasn’t been as bad as some may say, what with a respectable 3.61 FIP and 117 ERA+ in a Red Sox uniform, the Red Sox are still waiting for him to live up to the ace status he had in Tampa Bay, Detroit and Toronto. Christopher Smith runs through that and other story lines from spring training. (Christopher Smith: MassLive)

While the Red Sox’s farm system is not at the height of its powers, there are some prospects who deserve your attention in 2018, including Jalen Beeks and Michael Chavis. (Peter Abraham; Boston Globe)

Sean McAdam takes a stab at putting together the Red Sox’s opening day roster as spring training kicks into gear. (Sean McAdam; Boston Sports Journal)