Boston Red Sox 2010 Preview

The 2009 season for the Boston Red Sox ended with a thud - a 3-game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ...a team they had previously owned in the postseason (winning 9 of last 10). The lasting image for Sox fans was Jonathan Papelbon hanging his head after giving up 3 runs in the 9th inning of game 3, highlighted by a run scoring single by Vladimir Guerrero.

Turning the page into 2010, the Red Sox and their fans have high expectations. Then again, don't we always? Two World Series titles after an 86-year drought will do that to a region. This past offseason Theo and gang put an emphasis on run prevention. The question is, "Is run prevention a planned theme or a necessary one?" Given the departure of Jason Bay combined with the declines of David Ortiz and Mike Lowell and the inability to sign or trade for a big bat (Adrian Gonzalez anyone?), were the Sox forced into this direction? Or perhaps they are still spinning from being spurned by Mark Teixeira last year? Regardless of the reasons, we must embrace the era of run prevention. The Red Sox are going to be there in the end. They're a 93-96 win type of team. They'll compete for the division title with the Yankees and the Rays. Their defense and pitching will be superior to majority of the league. The question is whether or not their lack of offensive depth will hurt them against the very best?

Here we are on the eve of opening day and the rival Yankees are in town. What a way to start the season. As we get into the grind that is the major leage season (remember, it's a marathon not a sprint), let's review the team and their prospects for 2010. Gone is Jason Bay and his 30+ HRs and 110+ RBIs. Arriving to Fenway are veterans John Lackey, Mike Cameron, Adrian Beltre and Marco Scutaro. Returning are team leaders Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Victor Martinez and JD Drew. The pitching staff is strong boasting one of the best (if not the best) rotations in the game and a deep bullpen. Highlighting the top of the staff are Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and the aforementioned John Lackey - 3 perennial all-stars and Cy Young candidates. Patrolling the bullpen is Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okijima, and young fireballer Daniel Bard.

Regardless of how the offense performs, their pitching will keep them in every game. Having 3 aces is a luxury not many teams can afford. Toss in Clay Buchholz and Tim Wakefield and the Sox starters (if healthy) have the chance to boast five 15 games winners. I believe the Sox offense will be very good against the bad teams. However, their offense as a whole may hinge on how good David Ortiz will be. He struggled mightily for 2 months last season. 2 months! He was able to bounce back and put up decent power numbers (28 HRs and 99 RBIs). Ortiz must get off to a better start to balance out the lineup. The Red Sox can not afford to give him as much latitude this season.

The Sox top 4 will be dynamic. Ellsbury is coming off a 70 steal season and poised for greatness. Can he get 90? Pedroia is a year removed from the AL MVP and will provide his typical .300 AVG/.400 OBP/gold glove caliber defense from the #2 hole. Victor Martinez is now the everyday catcher. He's also in a contract year, so should produce. You can pencil Martinez in for .300 AVG, 25 HRs, and 100 RBI. Kevin Youkilis is the cleanup hitter. He's the heart and soul of the offense providing consistency this team desparately needs night in and night out. At the end of they day, Youkilis will be among the top vote getters for the AL MVP. His versitility in the field will provide the Sox the luxury to move pieces around the infield. Come July, should the Sox go after Adrian Gonzelez, Youkilis could move to 3rd base for the 1st baseman's arrival. Overall the top 4 in this lineup have a chance to be special. They'll set the table for Ortiz, JD Drew, Adrian Beltre, Mike Cameron and Marco Scutaro. For all the talk of run prevention, the Sox very well may be (again) in the top 3-4 in runs scored. The opportunity is there for a productive lineup.

The 2010 Boston Red Sox feature many changes ...all having a chance to provide the Sox an American League East championship and perhaps more. Their pitching and defense will be very good. Can the offense, outside of the top 4, produce consistenty enough to keep up with the Yankees, Rays and the rest of the American League beasts. We'll know pretty soon. Bring on baseball!