While the Boston Red Sox starting nine has remained intact from its World Series run a year ago, the defending champs still have a number of questions that will need to be answered if the team expects to compete for a second straight title.
Can Dustin Pedroia avoid the "Sophomore Slump?"
Remember Bob Hamelin? Angel Berroa? Marty Cordova? Perhaps you remember Erik Hinske. All of these players fell victim to the dreaded "Sophomore Slump" following their award-winning rookie seasons. While most of 2007 was excellent for the scrappy second baseman, he'll need to continue to get on base at the top of the order and avoid slumps like he did last April for the Sox to remain competitive.
What happens to Coco Crisp?
Let's face it. Jacoby Ellsbury is the center fielder of choice for the Red Sox, and Coco Crisp is most likely not going to accept the backup role. With one year left on his deal, does Theo Epstein deal Crisp prior to the season to fill some holes that become visible while the team is in Fort Minors?
Perhaps the Sox will hold on to Crisp until the July 31 trading deadline to see if a National League contender is in need of a speedy outfielder. Crisp could stay with the Sox in case they actually trade Manny Ramirez when he inevitably demands a trade.
Is Julio Lugo really that bad?
Lugo is signed through the 2010 season, making roughly $9 million a year. Simply put, he's going to have to put up better numbers than .237 BA, .294 OBP, and .349 SLG if he wants to remain in a Boston uniform. Jed Lowrie is in Pawtucket and ready to take over if Lugo can't perform. Epstein put up with Lugo's poor showing a year ago, don't think he won't be quick to make a move if he sees fit.
Is Jon Lester really that good?
Since Jon Lester took the mound in Game 4 of the World Series, he's become somewhat of a Red Sox legend. The cancer survivor returned to the mound in 2007 to post a 4.57 ERA in 63 innings while winning just four of his 11 starts. Yet he was considered as one of the Red Sox top pitchers, and even was included in a potential deal for the best pitcher in MLB, Johan Santana.
Throughout his career, Lester has won 11 of 26 career starts. That's a number that's going to have to get better if Lester is to remain in the Sox' rotation.
Can Jason Varitek still hack it?
He's been called the "smartest catcher." He's caught as many no-hitters as any catcher in the history of the league. He's the Captain. And frankly, he's getting old (he turns 36 in April).
Varitek's days as an All Star are long gone. His 20 HR days are gone. At his age, most catchers are splitting time at DH or 1B, but with David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis in place, the Captain is stuck behind the plate. He already had major surgery on one knee (following 2006). Will he be able to make it through another season behind the plate?
28 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Fred Thompson about 1 year ago
I don't think Lester is that good, but I don't think anyone is saying he is, unless their only information about him came from the World Series. He's projected to be maybe a #3 starter, but no higher. So he's a high-level prospect, but keep in mind what the Twins settled for from the Mets when you try to determine his value on the basis of the proposed Santana trade.
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andy miller about 1 year ago
really well done. i think you nailed every key question facing the red sox going into 2008.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
don't forget that the sox and yanks basically pulled out of contention for santana so the twins had to take what they could get. there is also the point that he was traded to the other league, away from the twins, which i am sure had a little to do with it.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
What about Manny? Is he going to show up to play or come up with some more "mysterious" pains and strains again. They should have traded him a long time ago. I'm tired of the phrase "Manny being Manny" because this guy plays when he feels like and he doesn't play when he doesn't feel like it. I think all that money he got went to his head. There are people on this team like Veritek, Ortiz, Lowell, Pedroia, Ellsbury and Uke who play their hearts out for the Sox.
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Tim Daloisio about 1 year ago
I fully expect Manny to have a return to form this season. Word out of Athletes Performance Institute is that Manny actually spent time there this off season and is reporting in the best shape he's been in years. Given that the Red Sox hold a $20 million dollar option on him this year, I think he'll show a little more initiative to succeed this year.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
a couple of points...first, tek will be turning 36 in april not 35. they say he's in great shape this year so there's reason to be hopeful he can rebound a little bit. second, to be fair to lester, while he may only have 9 wins in 26 major league starts, he only has 2 losses, and i think that has to count for something. i assume your mention of 33 starts includes the minors, and weren't most of those rehab starts?
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Tim Daloisio about 1 year ago
Lester's ready for breakout year. He's put the weight back and has the strength back following his bought with cancer. It's safe to predict an ERA around 4.00 and 12-15 wins this season. The most impressive thing about Lester is his resiliency on the mound. He's known for getting himself into trouble, but he's shown time and time again that he's able to bear down and get that key out when needed and he'll throw his curve in any situation.
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Chris Dutton about 1 year ago
As a Sox fan myself, I gotta ask myself a couple other questions in addition to the ones you mentioned:
1) Can Buchholz solidify a spot in the rotation?
2) Will Dice-K settle down and improve his numbers from 07?
3) What will be the effect of Ortiz's knee surgery?
Good points though, I see another 95+ win season in the works...
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Why are you hosting a Boston Globe photo on your site? And without any credit?
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Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
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Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
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Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
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Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
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Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
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Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
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Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
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Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
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Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stew Winkel about 1 year ago
Great article. I think people forget that Lester in virtually every start he has ever made, has struggled with a high pitch count. As much as anything, that needs to improve if he is going to be counted on as a reliable starter in the rotation.
Edit Comment Cancel
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