by Nick Valeri, FN Youth Board MemberAfter what could have been the most controversial off-season that has ever taken place in our 111 year history, the Red Sox are now (hopefully) ready to begin a new chapter that is drawn far away from conversations of Popeye’s chicken and beer. From the man Bobby V. to the newest acquisitions on the roster, here is my look at the season we have ahead of us. In part 1 of a 2 part series, I will preview the lineup that I still believe is one of the most dangerous in the Majors, and in part 2 I will preview the pitching rotation as well as the bullpen once Bobby V. has made his final choices in both of those departments.
THE LINEUP
From 1-9, I am still a strong believer that this is one of the best lineups that the league has to offer. With Jacoby coming off from a monster year, I think we have finally found the real Jacoby instead of the kid that we just doubted for all of the 2010 season. It would not surprise me if you see very similar numbers to those of last season because I believe he is not a fluke, and I think he had a strong off-season of training. Now I have no evidence of that previous statement, but that is just my gut Red Sox feeling I have with our leadoff man. In the middle of the lineup, I think you can see a lot more leadership in Pedroia, Gonzo, Youk, and Big Papi. Based off of their comments throughout the off-season and spring training, I think they want to go out and prove to the league and media that enough is enough, and let their playing and teamwork do the talking.
The one player I also think is fueled up to prove something is Mr. $142 Million, Carl Crawford. I think we can all agree about his disappointing opening season as a member of the Sox, but if this man isn’t keyed up to produce the numbers of his life, I don’t know what else will. He was told that he was the biggest stiff on the East Coast to hold a baseball bat by every Boston sports analyst possible, was judged on every little thing he did. He was even told by John Henry that he doubted the wisdom of his acquisition. I just think to be thrown under the bus that bad, has to make him want to have the season of his life, so if you are reading this thinking I’m crazy, just don’t be surprised if he is the talk of Beantown, in a good way this time, throughout the season.
As for the bottom half of the lineup, the player to look out for is Salty without a doubt. With another off season under his belt and more comfort with the Red Sox environment, I think this is the year he has to break out in order to win. I’m not saying he has to carry the year in order to make it to October, but without a backup in Tek he now becomes the new leader of the pitching staff and will have to create relationships with all five starters (whoever they are).