Can fans ride out the rebuilding phase?
If there's a substantial gap in payroll between this season and next season, the question we may be asking is, "Will fans keep showing up?" What kind of investment would it take to keep fans coming to the ballpark? Do the Sox need to sign a big free agent? Several lesser free agents? How many wins will be expected? Will fans keep coming to Fenway and calling radio stations in droves if the team is in last place?