Boston Red Sox: 5 Bold Predictions for Bobby Valentine's First Year

After one of the most historic collapses in baseball history, the Boston Red Sox have their work cut out for them heading into the 2012 season.

Thankfully, they have brought in fiery and loyal skipper Bobby Valentine, who is setting a tone in their clubhouse and around the nation.

They certainly don't lack the talent up in Beantown, so all it takes is for them to be led in the right path and utilized to make a splash this season in the MLB. With stud players like Adrian Gonzalez, Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia, this shouldn't be a problem.

Bringing back the soon-legend David Ortiz was a big bonus as well.

Here's what to expect from the Sox this season.

Carl Crawford Will Have a Comeback Year

Carl Crawford wasn't the electric player on both sides of the field that we saw with Tampa Bay in his first season with the Red Sox, batting just a .255 average and knocking in 56 RBIs, both well short of his usual production.

Crawford may not emerge as an MVP candidate, but he should be able to right the ship and get back to the level of play he was at prior to his era with Boston. A wrist injury is keeping him out of spring training, and Valentine has said that they are in no rush to throw him back into the rotation. After the way he started 2011, it's safe to say they have no reason to throw him into the fire too early.  

Daisuke Matsuzaka Era Comes to an End

Daisuke Matsuzaka was possibly the most hyped overseas player to come to the majors in over a decade, but he hasn't flourished into what many baseball fans thought. Now, he's coming off a Tommy John surgery and is expected to be out for about half the season.

Dice-K has evolved from one of Boston's most reliable pitchers to a back-of-the-rotation guy in his time there, and it's safe to say that his seasons reminiscent of 2008 are long gone. 

Adrian Gonzalez Will Lead Majors in RBIs

As much of a letdown the Carl Crawford deal was in 2011, the acquisition of Adrian Gonzalez trumped it in terms of production.

Gonzalez had a great year last season with by far his best batting average of .338. He only missed three games, and had 117 RBIs, good for third in the AL. 

He's projected to finish second in RBIs by ESPN, but I think he'll overpower the rest of the field and finish at least five or 10 ahead of second place. 

Big Papi Starts Decline

Red Sox legend David Ortiz had a bit of a comeback year after receding in his previous few seasons, finishing with a .309 average, 96 RBIs and his 162 hits were his best since 2007. 

A one-year, $14.5 million deal brought him back to Boston this season, but the 36-year-old is slowly being overtaken by Adrian Gonzalez as the premier power hitter for the Red Sox. 

He should still finish with a decent stat line, I mean, he is David Ortiz. Although, he's on the wrong end of 35 and the Red Sox offense doesn't need him this year as much as they have relied on him in years past. 

Red Sox Will Win the AL East

Despite winning two World Series crowns in the last decade, the Red Sox have primarily been owned by the Yankees as far as AL East pennants. 

Boston and New York were neck-and-neck for much of 2011 before the historic September decline, upon which the Yanks pulled away quite easily in the division and the Red Sox saw Tampa Bay slip past them in the Wild Card. Although, the Red Sox went 12-6 against the Yankees in 2011, and have played favorably head to head against them in recent years.

With a new atmosphere in Beantown and the return of a ton of talent, expect the Red Sox to trump the Yankees for their first division title since 2007.