Red Sox going for 3 out of 5

Originally Posted on 2/10/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Boston Red Sox

I can still remember the extra inning home run hit by then Yankee, Aaron Boone against the Red Sox in the playoffs just a few years ago thus prolonging the Curse of the Bambino. But I can also remember the most amazing comeback in MLB post-season history when the Sox came back down 3 games to none to beat the Yankees and eventually win the World Series in 2004 (after a 86 year wait that started in 1918). That season of 2004 placed the Red Sox among the great powerhouses in MLB and ever since they've been considered contenders every year and last season they won yet another World Series title, sweeping their counterpart again, this time the Rockies (Cardinals were opponent in 2004).

So after winning two titles in four years, the Red Sox will look to become a dynasty in 2008 with a potential third title in fives seasons. How will they do it, well it'll be behind one of the deepest rosters in the majors and an excellent farm system protecting them from any serious injuries.

For 2007, the big name off-season addition was Daisuke Matsuzaka coming over from Japan after a record breaking posting fee of $51mm and then followed by a contract of $52+mm and outfielder J.D. Drew and shortstop Julio Lugo (the later two being contracts Sox fans want to forget). In 2008 however, the big news was the deal that wasn't made when the Sox would drop out of the Johan Santana running as did their rival Yankees allowing the Mets to pull in and trade for him.

But enough of who isn't on the Sox, how about who is, which are the same group of players (minus 2007 mid-season pick-up and bust Eric Gagne) that won the Series last year and are clear favorites for the 2008 season.

The offense will have back David "Big Papi" Ortiz, free agent to be (after 2008) Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo, last years rookie of the year Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, captain Jason Varitek and potential rookie of the year in 2008, Jacoby Ellsbury. The bench is pretty solid too with outfielders Coco Crisp, Bobby Kielty, Alex Cora and Sean Casey.

On the pitching front, we have two post-season stars in Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling. Beckett actually won the ALCS MVP award last year. Schilling, who had a tough season during the regular year shinned bright again in the playoffs but has recently had some controversy over his head with an apparent shoulder injury that the Sox didn't detect before signing him to a one-year extension. Whatever the injury is, it didn't seem to effect Schilling during the playoffs so one would think he'll be able to contribute in 2008 albeit with some limitations with overall innings pitched... rounding up the rotation is Matsuzaka "Dice-K," Jon Lester and Tim Wakefield plus Clay Buchholz who pitched a no-hitter in his second Major League start last season. The bullpen has today's best closer in Jonathan Papelbon and great set-up guys in Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Javier Lopez, Mike Timlin and Julian Tavarez.

Waiting in the wings are great young stars shortstop Jed Lowrie, first baseman Lars Anderson, outfielders Brandon Moss and Ryan Kalish and pitchers Justin Masterson, Craig Hansen, Darren Hansack, Bryce Cox and Daniel Bard.

With all these weapons, the Red Sox will have yet again, great reason and talent to ensure General Manager Theo Epstein, Manager Terry Francona and the rest of the Red Sox brass will have another generation of Red Sox Nation fans!

Projected Lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2b
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Manny Ramirez, LF
5. Mike Lowell, 3b
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1b
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Julio Lugo, SS

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: Are you kidding, the World Champs are covered in great fantasy players! Big Papi is a perennial HR hitter with great RBI and average numbers each year. ManRam may play games (figuratively and literally) but he is still a top 10 outfielder, Pedroia was the ROY in 2007, Lowell had one of his best seasons and will get many chances to drive runs in, Drew should improve, Youkilis is a great buy and Varitek, although getting older is still a very productive catcher. As for Ellsbury, he might just be the next Grady Sizemore. With pitchers, Beckett is a top five starter, Schilling when healthy is great (should be able to buy low), Dice-K put up big numbers his first season and Papelbon is the best closer on the planet. Oh, and don't forget about the Red Sox young arms of Buchholz and Lester.

2. Most likely to be traded: Coco Crisp is good enough to start in this league, too bad for him, he has Ellsbury on the roster with him.

3. Break-out player of 2008: How about all the names discussed in trade talks with Minnesota for Johan Santana... Ellsbury, Buchholz and Lester.

4. Farm Top Five: Two of the three listed above are considered rookies so Ellsbury and Buchholz make the cut. As do Lowrie and pitchers Masterson and Craig Hansen.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 100-62, 1st in the AL East