Boston Red Sox: 5 Changes They Need More Than Clubhouse 'Prohibition'

It's been a good start to spring training for the Boston Red Sox, winning every game they've played thus far with minor speed bumps along the way. 

This past offseason brought a lot of changes to Boston, including a new manager, a new general manager, a slew of new coaches, and, most significantly, some new players.

After last season's collapse, many issues arose as to what went wrong—beer and fried chicken in the clubhouse being one of them. New manager Bobby Valentine has already banned the consumption of alcohol in the clubhouse from hereon, but there are still other things other than clubhouse prohibition that need to happen for the organization going forward.

Here's a look at five changes the Red Sox need to make.

Name Dustin Pedroia the Captain

Due to the retirement of longtime catcher Jason Varitek, the Red Sox are left captain-less for the first time since 2004.

After everything that happened last season, the Red Sox need a captain now more than ever. They need someone who can be a leader on and off the field. Why not Dustin Pedroia?

He is one of the most productive players on the Red Sox roster and isn't afraid to speak up when necessary. Bleacher Report featured columnist Chris Benvie wrote an article describing how, with the retirement of Varitek, Pedroia becomes the unofficial captain of the team.

Going even further, once Bobby Valentine realizes what type of player and leader he has in Dustin Pedroia, he needs to give him the "C" on the front of his jersey.

Extend Jacoby Ellsbury

I was researching this topic today and it's really a necessity for the future of the Boston Red Sox. We all saw last season what Jacoby Ellsbury is capable of when healthy, and if he can continue the success he had in 2011, it's essential that the Red Sox give him a contract extension. 

After finishing second in the AL MVP voting last season, Ellsbury is only under contract through this upcoming season and 2013 before he enters free agency.

We've seen other teams start to lock up their young outfielders over the past week, and Boston really needs to follow suit and start negotiating with Ellsbury about keeping him long term.

Get Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield Back in the Organization

Boston had two local heroes retire this offseason in Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield, citing age and inability to acquire a contract that would benefit themselves and the Red Sox.

Regardless of how they performed over the last few seasons, they are two of the smartest baseball players you may ever come across.

It's obviously too late to give them coaching positions on the benches, but why not bring them into the front office (or somewhere else in the organization) right away?

Their knowledge and history can prove to be very valuable assets in the future. It would be stupid of the front office not to bring Wakefield and Varitek in.

Make Decisions on Jose Iglesias and Will Middlebrooks

Shortstop Jose Iglesias and third baseman Will Middlebrooks are probably the two most major-league ready players in the Boston system at the moment.

Iglesias is currently competing with Mike Aviles and Nick Punto for the starting job, but his lack of offense is likely to prevent him from taking over. It's pretty evident that Iglesias isn't going to be a good hitter, but defensively he's great. What good is he doing in Triple-A when he could be used in the majors, at least defensively? 

Middlebrooks, on the other hand, is just waiting for an opportunity. He's a big third baseman that's a good fielder and has a good bat too. His only problem is that Kevin Youkilis is in front of him, and there isn't a true spot for him otherwise.

Youkilis is under contract through this season with team option for 2013, but it seems as if Middlebrooks could have the job by then. If he can keep up his numbers in Pawtucket, Boston should trade Youkilis and give Middlebrooks the opportunity.

Play Every Game Like It's Their Last

If people didn't learn it last season, anything can happen in baseball. Boston, as well as Atlanta, saw their playoff hopes collapse in the blink of an eye.

Going into this season, the Red Sox need to play every game like it's their last, because one loss can be the deciding factor of whether you make the postseason or not.

A loss in April is the same as a loss in September—every single game counts. The Red Sox need to realize this.

They should be running every ground ball out. They should focus on every pitch that they throw. They should capitalize on the opportunities given to them. Everyone needs to step up this year and not only win for the fans and all those who they let down in 2011, but for themselves too.

The club didn't deserve all of the criticism they received after last season. I can guarantee this season will be different.