2009 Boston Red Sox

Founded in 1901 as one of the eight charter teams in the American League, the Boston Red Sox are obviously one of the most storied teams in all of baseball history. They have the rabid fans who had not seen their beloved Red Sox win a World Series since 1918 until their win in 2004 and again in 2007. It would seem that the new century has brought new life to this team. Boston, the Red Sox fans, and the players themselves all expect big things in 2009. There is a bit of something to prove after the tough seventh game loss in the ALCS to the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Red Sox will have a tough team again this year. Jason Bay will undoubtedly return to his position in left field. His strong stats from last season (286 avg, 31 HR, 101 RBI, 10 SB) definitely make him a force on this team. Since joining the Red Sox in 2007, Jacoby Ellsbury has definitely been a difference maker in center field. Rocco Baldelli was acquired in 2008 from the Tampa Bay Rays but was sidelined until August due to a mysterious illness that was finally diagnosed as a mitochondrial disorder; this diagnosis which explained his often extreme fatigue and posed a serious risk to his life. As many baseball fans may have heard in mid-December of last year, tests have shown that Baldelli was misdiagnosed and is instead suffering from channelopathy, a treatable protein disorder. This is definitely good news for both Baldelli and the Red Sox. The utility outfielder which could be asked to step up is Jonathan Van Every. Though Van Every appeared in a Red Sox uniform only 11 times last year, he did have some respectable statistics; in his 17 AB, he had 4 H, 5 RBI, 6 SO, and a 235 avg.

The infield is very strong with a returning Kevin Youkilis at first base, backed up by Mark Kotsay, who could play center field if needed, and Brad Wilkerson, who could play right field if needed. Mike Lowell will resume his strong third base position that he has held since coming to the Red Sox from the Florida Marlins in 2006. Second bas will hopefully continue to be covered by the strong Dustin Pedroia. Despite being benched for today’s game in the World Baseball Classic due to a strained oblique he feels very confident that he will be ready to play come opening day. Julio Lugo however may not be so fortunate. This stellar shortstop who was acquired by the Red Sox in 2007 missed the second half of the 2008 season with quadricep issues. He is currently awaiting the forthcoming results of a recent MRI on his right knee. Lugo’s stats were down last year and he is currently being challenged at the shortstop position by Jed Lowrie who picked up the reins when Lugo was out last season. While Lowrie’s stats are similar to those of Lugo, he is young and has not had the injury issues. The catcher position is locked up by veteran Jason Varitek, whose deal with the Red Sox was finalized on February 6th. It appears that Josh Bard or George Kottaras, a prospect, will be in the back up catcher position.

The acquisition of John Smoltz from the Atlanta Braves adds another element to this formidable pitching lineup. With Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, Brad Penny, Clay Bucholz, and perhaps the pitching prospect Michael Bowden this is definitely one of the strongest starting pitcher lineups in the American League, if not all of Major League Baseball. And with a bullpen led by the dancing Jonathan Papelbon, it seems the Red Sox are set in the pitching department.

And did I mention Big Papi?

Tagged as: AL, Baseball, Big Papi, Boston Red Sox, Brad Penny, Brad Wilkerson, Clay Bucholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, George Kottaras, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Bay, Jason Varitek, Jed Lowrie, John Smoltz, Jon Lester, Jonathan Papelbon, Jonathan Van Every, Josh Bard, Josh Beckett, Julio Lugo, Kevin Youkilis, Mark Kotsay, Michael Bowden, Mike Lowell, mlb, Rocco Baldelli, Tim Wakefield