Red Sox Preview 2008

Personally, I think Jacoby Ellsbury is going to be a big contributer of runs for the Red Sox this year. I think he will cause errors and beat out close throws to first base. I am also looking forward to see him get extra bases for the Sox. Remember last year he went from first to third on a bunt? That's awesome.

As for Clay Buchholz, I dont know how he will respond being a regular starter. I think you might see Colon or Tavarez start a few times.

I don't know that much about the Yankee prospects, but I think that the Red Sox have managed these people well. It should be interesting to see Joba Chamberlain after his success last season. I have the Yankees winning no more than 86 games this year, especially with how well these other teams in the AL look this year.

I thought the Blue Jays might sneak ahead of them, but its lookig like there injuries are already stacking up. I think that the Sox have a good lineup that will carry them through the regular season. Their pitching is going to have to step it up in the post season, but by then hopefully Curt Schilling will be back and he can light it up like he does.

As for people who should have breakout years, I would say it all starts with Manny Ramirez. He came into training camp in great shape, and he is in an interesting year in his contract. I expect him to bring his RBI total up past 100, and home runs between 30-40.

This will effect the pitches that "Big Papi" David Ortiz sees. His knees are doing better which will give him more lift on thoughs doubles he hit last year. I also think that Drew will have more RBI's this year. With the top of the order getting on base a lot more, he will have opportunities to drive them in.

I am not that worried about the Japan trip. If you recall, the Yankees started in Japan and won more than 100 games, and the Mets went to the World Series. I think this whole month will be a test for this ballclub.