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mrschroeder08 partyvancaptain pee_callus25 Tags 2010 Preview 5 Million Dollar Black Hole AAAA Aaron Heilman Aaron Miles Alfonso Soriano Andres Blanco Angel Guzman Aramis Ramirez Arizona Diamondbacks Atlanta Braves B.J. 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Boston Red Sox 2009 Record: 95-67 (2nd, AL East and AL Wild Card winner) Key Additions: John Lackey (SP), Mike Cameron (OF), Marco Scutaro (SS), Adrian Beltre (3B), Jeremy Hermida (OF), Bill Hall (INF), Boof Bonser (SP), Joe Nelson (RP) Key Losses: Jason Bay (OF), Alex Gonzalez (SS), Billy Wagner (RP), Casey Kotchman (1B), Rocco Baldelli (OF), Paul Byrd (SP), George Kottaras (C) Summary: These days the three certainties of life are death, taxes and a Yankees-Red Sox division race that will be covered every 5 minutes by ESPN. Though I hate to admit it, you can kind of see why. Both teams have a long history, tons of resources and have put the resources to good use. This is especially the case in Boston, where Theo Epstein has maneuvered his team to six playoff appearances in seven years, and of course titles in 2004 and 2007. This offseason, Epstein seemed to focus on a specific goal this offseason: shoring up the defense. Two acquisitions in particular, Mike Cameron and Adrian Beltre, were signed primarily for this purpose. Cameron has been one of the premier center fielders in the game for a long time and showed even at 36 last year, he could still go. Adrian Beltre is a long way removed from his monstrous 2004 season, but has always been a plus defender at third. His power is quite a bit lacking (8 HRs in 449 ABs last year), but Boston will not need it in a stacked lineup where the catcher and center fielder are power sources. Boston's marquee acquisition though was former Angels ace John Lackey. First, it weakens another AL powerhouse. Second, it gives Boston one of the best rotations in baseball. Jon Lester had proven he could be a top-flight starter, and Josh Beckett has been at that elite level for a while now. Suddenly, the hallmark of this team is pitching and defense, and they have the personnel to go that route. I haven't even mentioned the premier (and certifiably insane) closer they have. That is not to say that this lineup is a weakness. With Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Victor Martinez and Jacoby Ellsbury all returning, this is a potent lineup. David Ortiz appears to be in decline, but still has proven he can contribute (28 HRs last year). Mike Lowell probably will not spend the entire year in Boston, but needs to prove his thumb is healed. Until then, though, a .290 hitter with good defense at third base is a nice asset to have on the bench. The bottom line is this: once again, Boston has assembled one of the most talented 25-man rosters in baseball. I actually think they may outclass the Yankees, even with a payroll roughly $60-70 million less. Cubs Connection: I think back to the end of 2003, when the Cubs and Red Sox were in remarkably similar situations. Both teams had spectacularly long title droughts. Both teams got agonizingly close to the World Series only to be disappointed in seven games. Both teams had loaded rosters and high hopes going into 2004. Since then, they have taken markedly different routes. The Red Sox have created a wildly poplar, and wildly obnoxious, brand (the Red Sox nation). They have made a singular goal of trying to win by both spending money and by developing talent. Meanwhile the Cubs have only done one thing, spend money. As to what has worked, well, the proof is in the pudding. Enter Tom Ricketts. You can tell Mr. Ricketts has the Red Sox as the model for the Cubs to follow. He will try to update Wrigley, as John Henry updated Fenway. He will try to improve the farm system. He will continue to keep the payroll in the top five in baseball. If you have any question as to what the road map is for the Chicago Cubs in the next five to ten years, look eastward. Becoming the NL version of the Boston Red Sox is the goal. BIBGLBOOPSARG(tm) LF Jacoby Ellsbury 2B Dustin Pedroia 1B Kevin Youkilis C Victor Martinez RF J.D. Drew CF Mike Cameron DH David Ortiz 3B Adrian Beltre SS Marco Scutaro P Jon Lester, Josh Becket, John Lackey, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Clay Buchholz Closer: Jonathan Papelbon Predicted Finish: First place in the AL East. Yeah, I don't like the Red Sox that much, but I cannot argue with the depth in both the rotation and in the lineup. I think that depth will carry them past the Yankees this season, though it will be close (yet again). So celebrate once again, ESPN, for you will get exactly what you want. Posted in: 2010 Preview, Boston Red Sox | ||