Boston Red Sox's 2009 Preview

Even though the groundhog has seen his shadow spring is almost in the air. Soon Fort Myers, FL will hear the sweet sound of baseballs smacking hard into mitts when Pitchers and Catchers report to spring training.

While the Boston Red Sox did not dazzle the sports news shows with their moves, they still made some significant signings in free agency and bolstered an already powerful lineup.

Like every team in the majors there are always questions heading into camp. 

Will Big Papi be ready?

David Ortiz was not himself for most of 2008. After suffering a wrist injury he never really got into the groove the rest of the season. Doctors prescribed plenty of rest and he has been working out regularly at Fenway most of the offseason. Look for Big Papi to pick up where he left off before his injury last season.

Jason Varitek has finally been signed and back behind the plate. His leadership is never in question but will he find his bat. Jason batted .220 last season, which was his lowest ever as a major leaguer.

Defensively he had an amazing year with only four errors in 1,041 innings of work. That is amazing at any infield position but even more impressive at catcher.

Mike Lowell and his hip should be healthy and 100 percent by opening day. Look for the Red Sox to slowly work him into the lineup throughout spring training. It is doubtful he will be having any hard feelings about the Red Sox bidding on Teixeira, which was most likely just to up the price the Yankees were willing to pay.

Shortstop will be a problem for the Red Sox this year. Lowrie and Lugo will both want playing time but look for Lugo to start and Lowrie to play shortstop when he struggles and third base every couple of games until the Red Sox are sure that Lowell is back 100 percent.

The biggest problem the Red Sox face this coming season is that they have too many arms in the bullpen. Twenty-nine other managers would love to be in Terry Francona's shoes this season; with a starting rotation of Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka, and Wakefield. John Smoltz should be throwing sometime in May.

Then a bullpen with Buchholz, Penny, Bowden, Masterson, Okajima, Saito, Delcarmen, Lopez, Ramierz, Littleton, and Tazawa. Plus one of the best closers in the game in Papelbon. The big question is how to get everyone some game time so their arms do not get lazy.

The Yankees spent close a fortune and barely addressed their needs. Sure they added Sabathia, Burnett and Teixeira but still have little depth in the bullpen. This has hurt them for the last couple of years. 

A-Rod will start the season like he always does with a bang but fades greatly towards September.

The Rays stayed pat and the Red Sox made little noise but sound choices in whom they will have in the dugout. One thing is sure, come September it will be the Rays and the Red Sox battling it out for the American League East with the Yankees scratching their heads once again.

With six more weeks of winter on the way, our hopes grow brighter looking forward to April and the 2009 season getting under way. Look for the Red Sox to make it to their third World Series in six years on the arms of one of the best and deepest pitching staffs ever seen and the ever powerful bats swinging towards the Green Monster at Fenway Park.