Six years ago when the Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years, the team didn’t have any flashy, over-paid players who cared only about themselves. They had a group of hard-nosed guys who would crash through a wall to make a catch, or lay down a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the ninth; as long as it was going to help their team a win.
The theme of all-out hustle in 2004 seems like it may be apparent in this year’s team, as the Sox have revamped their lineup with experience and solid fundamental play. This was a move that was made to bring the Red Sox back to the Fall Classic once again for a third championship in the last decade.
The Sox had a productive offseason, as they added power, speed, youth, and that hard-nosed attitude to a lineup that featured a few players that are fighting with father time.
Executive Vice President and General Manager Theo Epstein brought in veteran third baseman and slugger Adrian Beltre from Seattle, shortstop Marco Scutaro from the Blue Jays, centerfielder Mike Cameron from Milwaukee, and rightfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins.
Mike Lowell has become a hero in Boston with his classy attitude, his consistent play throughout the season, and his clutch playoff performances. The 2007 World Series MVP is still with the Red Sox this year and is planning on staying with them but may experience a shortage in playing time, with the younger Beltre stepping in at third. Beltre hit .265 last year, with eight homeruns and 44 RBI’s in only 111 games due to an injury. He provides that all-or-nothing approach to the game and can hit for power and drive the ball to the gaps much like Lowell can. Lowell, who also missed games last year due to wrist and hip injuries, but ended up with better numbers than Beltre as he hit .290 with 17 homeruns and 75 RBI’s in only eight more games than his possible replacement. This brings up the issue of who should actually play at third. In my opinion, Lowell has played exceptionally well over the years he’s been in Boston and has been loyal. He may be getting up there in age but I believe he deserves his chance to play until Beltre proves better than him.
Marco Scutaro joins the Red Sox after a number of years in Oakland, and the last two seasons in Toronto. Although he’s a solid infielder with a pesky bat, Scutaro has never had a sure position with any ballclub he’s been with, so being given the chance of becoming the Red Sox everyday starting shortstop is a real privilege for the 35 year old Venezuela native. A privilege that will bring out the best play of Scutaro as he’ll take nothing for granted on the field. The double-play combination of Scutaro and scrappy second baseman Dustin Pedroia will be something to watch, and with first baseman Kevin Youkilis and either Beltre or Lowell at third, the Sox have an infield that most teams in the Major Leagues can’t compete with.
With the offseason loss of leftfielder Jason Bay to the New York Mets, the Red Sox lose a huge bat and a great clubhouse presence, but have gained something back with centerfielder Mike Cameron. Cameron, who hit .250 with 24 homeruns and 70 RBI’s last year with the Brewers also brings stellar speed and athleticism to the outfield. With the addition of a defensive guru to centerfield, it will allow Manager Terry Francona to move young speed demon Jacoby Ellsbury to left, and keep J.D. Drew in right, for one of the Major Leagues fastest outfields.
The Red Sox also made some changes to their pitching staff, improving what was one of the best rotations in the American League in 2009. Boston picked up the L.A. Angels of Anaheim’s ace last year, John Lackey. The 6’6″, 245 pound right-hander was 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 27 games in 2009, and will bring to Boston his power pitching style to go with a great curveball. The addition of Lackey along with Josh Beckett, John Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, the Red Sox will field one of the most competitive pitching rotations in the majors. Not to mention the Sox’s steady relief pitching of Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen, Jonathan Papelbon, and Daniel Bard, and new comer, starting pitcher Boof Bonsor. Getting a great performance out of a starting and relief pitchers every night is huge.
Look for the Sox to be turning heads this year in the A.L. East, as my prediction will be that they edge the Yankees to win the title. The combination of a fundamentally sound infield, a quick outfield, and a lineup with sluggers up and down to go with a hardnosed, all out attitude on the diamond will be tough for teams to stop.
Dear Spring,
Get here already.