MLB Previews: Boston Red Sox Have All the Elements

Last season: Won AL East (96-66), beat Angels and Indians in playoffs, swept World Series over Colorado Rockies.

2008 Outlook: Should win the AL East again with relative ease.  The Yankees are retooling and the rest of the competition isn't much.

With a solid rotation and bullpen plus plenty of mashers at the plate, the Sox are serious contenders for a repeat World Series win.

Biggest Changes: Sean Casey will get a little playing time at first base, with Kevin Youkilis the incumbent; David Ortiz takes his usual role as DH.  Casey will get loads of pinch hit chances, though, because he's a great singles hitter with plenty of plate presence.

The losses of reliever Eric Gagne and sometime-starter Matt Clement won't have much impact.  Neither was a major contributor last year.

Look for Jacoby Ellsbury to get the nod over Coco Crisp as starting center fielder, and watch to see if Dustin Pedroia suffers a letdown after his outstanding rookie season.

Julio Lugo at short is the only possible defect on this team.  But if he can hit for even a slightly better average than last season's .237, he should be fine.

Rookie/Free Agent Prospects: Clay Buchholz, who threw a no-hitter in his second major league start, could be the fifth starter or better, depending on Curt Schilling's readiness.  RHP David Aardsma could be a middle reliever or spot starter.

Best fantasy bets: Hitters are abundant, but closers like Jonathan Papelbon are a rarity.  He should be your top pick from this squad, alongside Ortiz who produces year-in and year-out.

Manny Ramirez turns 36, but is still productive, though injuries limited his playing time last season.  Ellsbury could be a steal especially if he does steal—bases, that is.  Josh Beckett will be close to the top of everyone's list, and you'll pay a premium for him.

Three Excellent Links:
Over the Monster: A Boston Red Sox Blog
Manny Ramirez career stats - "Being" needs just 10 more homers for 500.
Boston Globe Sports Page

Next Preview: New York Yankees

Published simultaneously at Baseball On Deck