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Looking to go through all 30 MLB teams before the season starts(with Andarmac). Not trying to do anything groundbreaking, but I just want to break down the rosters and get some info flowing. Any added or updated info would be appreciated. I would like to see the opinions and mindstate of homers, gamblers, and degenerates alike.
Okay, the Red Sox......Obviously we have a pretty good squad here. The Bo Sox have been one of the elite MLB franchises the last few years for a number of reasons, and that doesnt seem to change for 2009. Boston has a nice mix of young studs and veterans on the offensive side. They are stacked in the starting pitching department(although there are some question marks). They have a sweet bullpen. They play in a totally stacked AL East, so like the Yanks and Rays, 90+ wins may only be good for a wildcard birth.
(C)Varitek- It's no secret that Varitek's offensive production has gone way downhill each year for the last few years. Last year, he couldn't get out of his own way and was completely awful in the playoffs. Despite his offensive shortcomings of late, V calls a great game, and his leadership is unrivaled in the clubhouse. Unless he picks up his offensive numbers though, I wouldn't be surprised if this is his last year. He has Josh Bard backing him up, and there's also a nice prospect by the name of Mark Wagner who may be a year or two away from being the franchise catcher.
(1st)Youkilis- Big Youk has slowly evolved into a beast the last few years. Each year for the last 4 years he has steadily improved, and I think 2009 will be no different.
(1st-DH)Ortiz- Ortiz's health will be important for the middle of the lineup. He's starting to get up there in age, but still should be able to hit the shit out of the ball if he is past the wrist injury that bothered him all last year. He also has had some shoulder issues(from sleeping awkwardly) recently. Personally, I think he will be okay and should turn in another nice season. I'm not sure it will be 45 HR 140 RBI, but 25 HR and 110 RBI should be within reach and will be perfect in the lineup sitting between Pedroia and Youkilis.
(2nd)Pedroia- How can you not love this kid? Expect his 3rd full season to be as productive as last year. Supposedly he came into camp both faster and stronger than he was last year, and any kind of improvement for him puts him in MVP talks again. Did I mention he is a gold glover and can also steal 25+ bags? STUD.
(SS)Lugo- Not sure why Lugo recently got the nod over Lowrie. Their numbers were pretty even last year, if not a tad better for Lowrie. Maybe the Sox want an extra veteran in the lineup as their team transitions into a younger squad? Maybe Lugo's legs in the 9 hole are what the Sox want leading into the top of the lineup?
(3rd)Lowell- Assuming he comes back from hip surgery healthy, Lowell is a nice veteran bat in the lineup. I don't think he comes anywhere near his 2002-2004, 2007 numbers, but the old soldier should be good for 15 HR and 75RBI from the 6 or 7 hole.
(LF)Bay- Bay has the tough job of taking over for Manny. We know he has a much better glove and should be a huge improvement defensively once he learns the nuances of dealing with the Green Monster. Personally I think the guy is a bit overrated with his bat, and have been saying that for years, but he quieted me a bit with his performance last year. Do I expect another season like that? Honestly, no. With all that said, he is a decent bat and should be able to protect Youkilis and be a decent number 5 batter. I say that assuming that the lineup looks like.....Ellsbury, Pedroia, Ortiz, Youk, Bay, Lowell, Drew, Varitek, Lugo.
(CF)Ellsbury- His first full season in the league was hit and miss, but at the end of the year his numbers were very good for a kid. I was surprised to see that he stole 50 bags last year. I don't think you can expect that this year, but 30-40 would be perfect in this lineup. He is eligible for the good ol' sophomore slump, so improvement isn't necessarily a given. I think Sox fans would be happy with a year like last year, although not as streaky. He started and ended the season like a monster, but was mired in a brutal slump over the summer that marred a very good rookie season.
(RF)Drew- Ahhh, this fuckin guy is always hurt. He has all the talent in the world, and can be awesome when healthy, but it seems like he never is. Most likely RF will be revolving around oft-injured Drew, Baldelli, and Kotsay.
After breaking down these guys, I'm actually a little more impressed with the bats than I was a few minutes ago. My initial impression of the Sox lineup was top heavy and possibly injury neutered, but after laying out each position, they aren't in that bad shape. Ortiz and Lowell look to be back and healthy and while not in their prime, should be productive. Ellsbury and Pedroia are a more wicked 1-2 punch than I thought. Bay and Youk should fit into the mix fine. etc etc. A possible wildcard is Rocco Baldelli. If the Bo Sox doctors can somehow figure out the disease he has, they have themselves a very talented OF on their hands.
Onto pitching.......
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