|
As we watch yet more snow fall here in northern New England it seems hard to imagine that in just weeks the boys of summer will be playing baseball nearby. As sure as the mountains of white turn green, and rivers of ice flow, the Red Sox will take to the field. It hard for Red Sox fans to imagine that the Boston Red Sox are, for the second time in less than a decade, World Champions.
This year the Red Sox will face the tough competition of the American League East but Red Sox fans and management have plenty be optimistic about. The 2008 version of the Red Sox has the potential of being one of the best collection of professional ballplayers ever. Last year’s team was considered by many long-time fans to have been the best in more than 50 years. This year could be even better. But, baseball is a funny game, and full of surprises. Yogi Berra once said “that’s why they play the game”.
Projected Starting Lineup
Projected Opening Day Starting Lineup
CF – Coco Crisp
2B – Dustin Pedroia
DH – David Ortiz
LF – Manny Rameriz
3B- Mike Lowell
RF – J.D. Drew
1B – Kevin Youkilis
C – Jason Varitek
SS – Julio Lugo
The Red Sox starting lineup may see the addition of Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox are reportedly seeking a deal for Coco Crisp. If Crisp is dealt elsewhere Ellsbury will start the season in centerfield.
In the off season the Red Sox acquired veteran first basemen Sean Casey. The left-handed hitting, New Jersey native is a career .300 plus hitter and will see action as a pinch-hitter and fill-in at first for Youkilis. Youk can also play third base to give Lowell a day off and Casey will fill in at first. Casey can play a valuable role for the Red Sox in 2008, he’s one of the games best contact hitters – old time Sox fans will be reminded of “Pete” Runnels.
Starting Rotation
The Red Sox starting pitching rotation is a nice mixture of proven veterans and promising newcomers. The ace of the Red Sox staff is Josh Beckett. Beckett was MLB’s only 20 game winner last season and was phenomenal in the post-season – with 4 wins, 0 loses and a 1.17 ERA in the playoffs.
Daisuke Matsuzaka proved he can handle the hitters and the pressures of Major League Baseball in America and is expected to have an improved record in 2008. Dice-K had a very good first season in the bigs posting a 15-12, 4.40 ERA, and a whopping 201 strikeouts.
Wake is great. What more can one say. Tim Wakefield is probably the most under-rated pitcher in the league. As long as Wakefield's back stays in place – he’ll finish with 12 or more wins and keep opposing players off-stride with his fluttering knuckleball.
Jon Lester should come into his own this year. This lefty has the guts and the stuff to be one of the games best southpaws – this year he’ll get his chance.
Another of Red Sox young starters is Clay Buchholz. With his first no-hitter behind him, Buchholz has plenty to look forward to.
Although veteran Curt Schilling will probably not start – at least until after the all-star break - it would be a wonderful sight to watch Schill strikeout A-Rod and Jeter in late September. We can only wish for a quick and full recovery.
The ever versatile and always entertaining Julian Tavarez can be used as a starter or in long-relief. Personally, Tavarez deserves a shot as a starter and seems much more confident in that role.
The Bull Pen
Every great baseball dynasty has a great bullpen. The Boston Red Sox have Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon finished ’07 with 37 saves, a 1.85 ERA and an amazing 12.96 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
In addition to Papelbon the Red Sox have depth; veteran right-hander Mike Timlin, Manny Delcarmen, Javier Lopez and Hideki Okajima will all see action. Okajima was sensational last year finishing with a 2.22 ERA and striking out 63 while allowing only 17 bases on balls.
The Manager
The Red Sox have one of the very best managers in all of baseball and have recently rewarded him with a well-deserved contract extension. Terry Francona has handled his front-office, players, press, and coaching staff with dignity and style. Even if he shows up wearing his pajama top – I’d be delighted to have Terry Francona as manager.
2008 American League East Projected Standings
|
Wins |
Loses |
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Rays
Baltimore Orioles
|
99
92
89
63
61 |
63
70
73
100
102 |
 
- Rick Rock
for Red Sox Network and NorthernNewEngland.com
Click here to read Rick's 2007 prediction.
|
