Opening Day is Coming Up
Excuse the escapism, but MLB's opening day is only four days away, so I'd like to use this blog as an opportunity to discuss the 2006 Boston Red Sox.
Starting Pitching
The Sox have five quality starting pitchers this year, with newcomer Josh Beckett headlining the cast. Elder citizens Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, or David Wells are all pushing 40, but still have killer instincts and nasty stuff. If any of them should break down at some point, young guns Jonathon Papelbon and Jon Lester are waiting to step up. Rounding out the starting five is Matt Clement, who is aiming to shake off a difficult end to last season when a line drive smashed into his face and put him out of commission.
Bullpen
Traditionally, the Red Sox have notoriously weak bullpens, but the front office made this a priority this offseason. They signed Skeletor-look alike Julian Tavarez for two years, and also signed Rudy Seanez. In trade action, the Sox aquired David Riske, and they re-signed Mike Timlin for another year. Closer Keith Foulke is hoping to return to 2004 form after having off-season surgery on his knees. If he doesn't get the job done, Jonathon Papelbon, Timlin, or rookie Craig Hansen have the potential to step up. The one southpaw is Lenny Dinardo, a personal favorite of Sox G.M. Theo Epstein.
Infield
The Sox have an all-new infield. I'll miss Bill Mueller, especially since his replacement, Mike Lowell, is coming off a career-worst offensive season. Hopefully his Gold Glove will make up for it, and he can rediscover his stroke in Fenway's lefty-friendly field. Alex Gonzalez, a free agent, will play short stop, and is reputed to have amazing range and a powerful arm. Mark Loretta, who the Sox acquired in exchange for caveman-catcher Doug Mirabelli, will provide the consistent #2 hitter the Sox need in their lineup. First base will be a platoon with Kevin Youkilis, aka "The Greek God of Walks," and J.T. Snow. Manager Terry Francona loves Snow, but I hope Youkilis gets the majority of the at-bats. He gets on base and has a knack for getting a clutch hit. Alex Cora is the backup infielder, and future starter Dustin Pedrioa should see time later in the season.
Outfield
This was an area the Sox need to address, and they have done so. Fragile right fielder Trot Nixon needed a backup and platoon partner, and the Sox got him one in Willy Mo Pena. He is 6'5" and 240 pounds, and hits home runs that make people's jaws drop. He's also great at hitting lefties. In center field, Coco Crisp replaces unfrozen caveman lawyer, Johnny Damon. Crisp is speedy and young; plus his first name is Coco. In left field is the best right-handed hitter in baseball, Manny Ramirez. I am looking forward to another season of Manny being Manny: he'll hit near .300, launch 40 homers, and drive in 140 runs. How do you say stud in Spanish? Canadian star Adam Stern will back up Manny and provide speed on the basepaths, eh?
DH/Catcher
David Ortiz, aka El Jefe, aka Big Papi, aka Shrek....this is one of the nicest guys in baseball, with the clutchest bat in recent baseball history. He makes me want to be a better person. Speaking of which, Jason Varitek returns after winning both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award in 2005. It'll be a tough act to follow, but as long as Tek continues to handle the staff masterfully, whatever offense he adds is a bonus. Josh Bard will serve as Tim Wakefield's caddy and try to handle his knuckler.
Predictions
The Sox has a lot of question marks: will Mike Lowell and Mark Loretta bounce back? How are Keith Foulke and David Wells' knees? Is Curt Schilling going to have a great season at age 39? In the end, their success depends most heavily on Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, and Keith Foulke. If these pitchers are at their best, I predict 96 wins. If any one of them spends significant time on the D.L. or struggles on the mound, expect no more than 88. Remember, the Yankees are still in the A.L. East, and the Blue Jays are loaded for bear this year. I think the Jays are a little overrated, and the Yankees are a Randy Johnson injury away from a long season, so hear are my predictions:
First-Yankees
Second-Red Sox (Wild Card)
Third-Blue Jays
Starting Pitching
The Sox have five quality starting pitchers this year, with newcomer Josh Beckett headlining the cast. Elder citizens Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, or David Wells are all pushing 40, but still have killer instincts and nasty stuff. If any of them should break down at some point, young guns Jonathon Papelbon and Jon Lester are waiting to step up. Rounding out the starting five is Matt Clement, who is aiming to shake off a difficult end to last season when a line drive smashed into his face and put him out of commission.
Bullpen
Traditionally, the Red Sox have notoriously weak bullpens, but the front office made this a priority this offseason. They signed Skeletor-look alike Julian Tavarez for two years, and also signed Rudy Seanez. In trade action, the Sox aquired David Riske, and they re-signed Mike Timlin for another year. Closer Keith Foulke is hoping to return to 2004 form after having off-season surgery on his knees. If he doesn't get the job done, Jonathon Papelbon, Timlin, or rookie Craig Hansen have the potential to step up. The one southpaw is Lenny Dinardo, a personal favorite of Sox G.M. Theo Epstein.
Infield
The Sox have an all-new infield. I'll miss Bill Mueller, especially since his replacement, Mike Lowell, is coming off a career-worst offensive season. Hopefully his Gold Glove will make up for it, and he can rediscover his stroke in Fenway's lefty-friendly field. Alex Gonzalez, a free agent, will play short stop, and is reputed to have amazing range and a powerful arm. Mark Loretta, who the Sox acquired in exchange for caveman-catcher Doug Mirabelli, will provide the consistent #2 hitter the Sox need in their lineup. First base will be a platoon with Kevin Youkilis, aka "The Greek God of Walks," and J.T. Snow. Manager Terry Francona loves Snow, but I hope Youkilis gets the majority of the at-bats. He gets on base and has a knack for getting a clutch hit. Alex Cora is the backup infielder, and future starter Dustin Pedrioa should see time later in the season.
Outfield
This was an area the Sox need to address, and they have done so. Fragile right fielder Trot Nixon needed a backup and platoon partner, and the Sox got him one in Willy Mo Pena. He is 6'5" and 240 pounds, and hits home runs that make people's jaws drop. He's also great at hitting lefties. In center field, Coco Crisp replaces unfrozen caveman lawyer, Johnny Damon. Crisp is speedy and young; plus his first name is Coco. In left field is the best right-handed hitter in baseball, Manny Ramirez. I am looking forward to another season of Manny being Manny: he'll hit near .300, launch 40 homers, and drive in 140 runs. How do you say stud in Spanish? Canadian star Adam Stern will back up Manny and provide speed on the basepaths, eh?
DH/Catcher
David Ortiz, aka El Jefe, aka Big Papi, aka Shrek....this is one of the nicest guys in baseball, with the clutchest bat in recent baseball history. He makes me want to be a better person. Speaking of which, Jason Varitek returns after winning both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award in 2005. It'll be a tough act to follow, but as long as Tek continues to handle the staff masterfully, whatever offense he adds is a bonus. Josh Bard will serve as Tim Wakefield's caddy and try to handle his knuckler.
Predictions
The Sox has a lot of question marks: will Mike Lowell and Mark Loretta bounce back? How are Keith Foulke and David Wells' knees? Is Curt Schilling going to have a great season at age 39? In the end, their success depends most heavily on Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, and Keith Foulke. If these pitchers are at their best, I predict 96 wins. If any one of them spends significant time on the D.L. or struggles on the mound, expect no more than 88. Remember, the Yankees are still in the A.L. East, and the Blue Jays are loaded for bear this year. I think the Jays are a little overrated, and the Yankees are a Randy Johnson injury away from a long season, so hear are my predictions:
First-Yankees
Second-Red Sox (Wild Card)
Third-Blue Jays
posted by Joel Hebert at 7:11 PM
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