Rick Porcello’s remarkable consistency

Perhaps the most valuable quality for any player in the game of baseball is consistency. As teams try to project their own individual seasons there can be so much noise involved that having a few sure things in the equation makes everything that much easier. Even on a smaller level, there is value in game-to-game consistency as teams that have constant roller coaster experiences all around their lineup are prone to long slumps. You needn’t look further than the 2017 Red Sox for evidence of that.

Looking at this current Red Sox roster, there are a few models of consistency. Chris Sale has been one of the truly elite starting pitchers in all of baseball basically since he came up to the majors. Craig Kimbrel had a bit of a stumble in 2016, but even then he was good and he’s been one of the best and most consistent relievers of all time to this point in his career. Mookie Betts will be a consistent force at the plate despite last year’s relative struggles, but even without that he’s a consistently valuable all-around player. Then, there’s Rick Porcello. Let me tell you something about Rick Porcello. No one has ever been more consistent with their spring training photos than Rick Porcello.

2018:

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

2017:

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

2016:

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

They changed up the pose a little bit this year and took the photo from a different angle, but you can’t sneak this one past me, Rick. I see you. The facial hair changes every year, but the base is the same. Head tilted slightly to the side, serious look that you don’t want to mess with, but also an acknowledgement that there’s a little pain behind those eyes.

For what it’s worth, I also look the same in every photo I take, and it generally looks like that one picture of Gary Busey. Really, pick any one.