The Updated Potential 2010 Boston Red Sox Roster: Position Players

This is the second time I've tried to ponder up how the Red Sox roster will look come Opening Day 2010.

This is Part One of the updated two-part series I wrote back in August (you can find the original slideshows here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/236857-the-potential-2010-boston-red-sox-roster-position-players http://bleacherreport.com/articles/240492-the-potential-2010-boston-red-sox-roster-pitching-staff) about how the Red Sox roster might look in April 2010.

This article does include speculation about (potential) future Red Sox players and is in no particular order.

Catcher: Victor Martinez

Martinez was the best Red Sox acquisition in 2009. He produced with Boston, and he's coming back for 2010 (thank God).

V-Mart will be the 2010 Red Sox starting catcher, and could be one of the best players on the team.

First Baseman: Kevin Youkilis

YOOOOOOOUK!!!!!!!!!!

The only way I see Youkilis moving away from first is if the Red Sox can't find a third baseman (more on that later).

Youk remained one of the most popular players on the Red Sox.

Second Baseman: Dustin Pedroia

Dustin Pedroia is no longer the defending MVP, but he is still one of the best players—if not the best player—on the Red Sox.

Great defense, great offense, the future of the Boston Dirt Dogs.

Third Baseman: Adrian Beltre/Other Acquisition

I think that the Red Sox will likely sign Adrian Beltre to fill Mike Lowell's shoes. Beltre is the best free-agent third baseman on the market right now.

Unless Theo Epstein really screws this up, expect Beltre to be in a Red Sox uniform for 2010, and likely beyond.

Shortstop: Marco Scutaro

The No. 1 thing on every Red Sox fan's Christmas list (other than Jason Bay) was a shortstop.

The Red Sox got one in Marco Scutaro, who was the apple of most Red Sox fans' eyes this winter (by default, it seems).

Left Field: Matt Holliday/Mike Cameron

The Red Sox' left field situation has come to this: It's either Jason Bay or Matt Holliday.

Personally, I'm wishing for some Happy Holliday. (Get it?) In case you didn't, I think Holliday will do better in left field for a little less money. Bay really hasn't done a spectacular job like most of Red Sox Nation (me included) thinks he's done.

Either way, the Red Sox left fielder in 2010 will have a last name which ends in AY.

UPDATE: The Red Sox officially cut ties with Jason Bay on Dec. 14. Mike Cameron was signed, and will likely be the Red Sox' starting left fielder.

Center Fielder: Jacoby Ellsbury

Ellsbury has become a dynamic force at the top of the Red Sox lineup, and one of the truly great fielders in the game.

People have virtually forgot of the names Johnny Damon and Coco Crisp with Ellsbury doing such a good job in center. That shouldn't change in 2010.

Right Fielder: JD Drew

I'm not a fan of JD Drew. I think he's overpaid and fakes injuries to get out of games.

However, when he plays, he's very good. He doesn't deserve the huge contract John Henry is paying him, but at least he's able to put up decent production.

Designated Hitter: David Ortiz

Despite being linked to steroids, and having two of the worst seasons of his career in a Red Sox uniform (consecutively), David Ortiz will remain one of my favorite players for the Red Sox in 2010.

Ortiz just hasn't been the same since 2007. It's sad to see him fall so far, but because of his contract, we have to watch him in 2010. No GM in their right mind would take Ortiz in a trade. At least he's a nice guy.

Bench: Casey Kotchman

Casey Kotchman used to be a top prospect. Now he's nothing more than a bench player backing up one of the best first baseman in the league.

Kotchman should provide a decent bat off the bench when Youkilis needs a break. Nothing more, nothing less.

Bench: Jason Varitek

Varitek has been one of the most reliable players on the Red Sox for some time now. He's taken many steps down, but he is still an emotional leader in the clubhouse for the Red Sox and should teach Max Ramirez something.

Bench: Jeremy Hermida

A young outfielder with some potential left, Jeremy Hermida should provide a decent bat off the bench when JD Drew needs two weeks off in the middle of July.

Bench: Jed Lowrie

The kid who was once the future of the Red Sox at shortstop has now been relegated to utility infielder.

Injury problems have kept him off the field, and now Marco Scutaro has taken the spot everyone thought was Lowrie's (at least in 2008).

Bench: Max Ramirez

Ramirez, who played with Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, probably won't see much playing time with the Red Sox in 2010.

He could bounce up and down between the majors and AAA in 2010. But, during Spring Training, Varitek should take Ramirez under his wing.

Coming Soon

Coming up next is Part 2 of my Red Sox roster in 2010 slide show, featuring the pitchers of the 2010 Boston Red Sox.

I should have that up by Tuesday, but likely sooner.