2009 Preview: Boston Red Sox

In 2008 the Boston Red Sox were American League Wild Card winners and they were one win away from playing the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. It was a roller coaster year for the Sox from Big Papi's injury, to Dustin Pedroia's MVP year, to Beckett's injury, to the outstanding play of Kevin Youkilis, to a playoff berth, to finally a heart-breaking playoff exit. Also, Dice K and Jon Lester really stepped up for Boston's rotation, as they just kept on winning games for the team. It was an overall good year, with a devastating finish.

Prjoected Lineup:

C - Jason Varitek

1B - Kevin Youkilis

2B - Dustin Pedroia

SS - Jed Lowrie

3B - Mike Lowell

LF - Jason Bay

CF - Jacoby Ellsbury

RF - JD Drew

DH - David Ortiz

Projected Rotation:

#1 - Josh Beckett

#2 - Daisuke Matsuzaka

#3 - Jon Lester

#4 - Tim Wakefield

#5 - Brad Penny

Closer - Jonathon Papelbon

Position Battles:

SS - Throughout the season Lowrie and Julio Lugo should split at short stop and whoever has the hot bat should get more of the playing time. Lowrie should begin the season as the starter.

#5 Starter - Right now Brad Penny looks to have the job won, but that does not mean it will be his all season. The Red Sox have Clay Buchholz and John Smoltz, who they signed in the off season, so either one of them could fill in for Penny if he starts to not pitch well.

2009 Outlook: The Red Sox should fight for another playoff berth in 2009. They return the same offense that they had a year before, which consists of the AL MVP Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, and Jason Bay who should really power the offense once again. One thing that will make a big impact on Boston is the health of David Ortiz. If he can stay healthy than Boston should have no real offensive problems, but if he gets hurt again than the team will need to do some rotating of players and hope someone steps up, like Drew did in 08.

The pitching staff looks the same as in 2008, with the addition of Brad Penny and Smoltz who look to add to the already good pitching staff. Dice K made some big strides last year and is now one of the premier pitchers in the league and is showing why Boston payed top dollar to sign him. Jon Lester also had a breakout season last year going 16 - 6 and pitching in real big games when Boston needed a win. The big key to the staff is Josh Beckett and his health. If Beckett can stay healthy than this staff can be one of the best in all of baseball, but if gets hurt than either Buchholz or Smoltz will have to step up.

Projected Finish: 2nd Place, AL East

A Flurry of Redsox Moves

Over the last few weeks, the Boston Red Sox have made a plethora of intriguing signings. Lets take a closer look:

Brad Penny - The former Dodgers ace will fight for the #5 rotation spot with Clay Bucholz and Michael Bowden. Boston took advantage of a solid low-risk opportunity--if it pans out, they get a pitcher who could get 15 wins with a 3.50 ERA. If Penny stumbles, the Redsox send him to AAA or the bullpen and Bucholz steps in.

Takashi Saito - Another former Dodger, Saito has been a lights-out closer since he came over from Japan. He was derailed by injuries in 2008 and will be 39 by opening day, but Saito can still be an excellent set-up man when healthy.

Josh Bard - Definitely not the best catcher in the league, but better than Jason Varitek at this point in his career. Bard will provide an affordable stopgap until the Redsox can find a long-term. solution.

Rocco Baldelli - Once a highly touted prospect with the Tampa Bay Rays, Baldelli will never live up to that potential due to his medical condition which causes extreme fatigue. However, Baldelli, who possesses a strong bat and good fielding ability, can still be useful as a pinch-hitter or a defensive replacement.

Junichi Tazawa - The 22 year old would have been the first pick in the Japanese Central League had he not decided to play in America. He should probably start his career in AA or AAA and has the upside of a #3 starter.

The Red Sox didn't get Mark Texietria or CC Sabathia like the Yankees, but they did sign productive, high upside role-players to complement their stars. Boston now has exceptional depth which should bode them well during the long season.