Play Ball: Expectations for the 2009 Red Sox from a Diehard Fan.

Happy New Year!

I can't wait to see a packed Fenway Park, as hope springs eternal for a successful 2009 season for the beloved Boston nine.

As with every other team, there are certain expectations we, as fans, have for our guys. A slugger is expected to hit homers, a pitcher is supposed to pitch like an ace, and the closer should be able to slam the door when it counts.

As a loyal and vocal fan of Red Sox Nation, I would like to outline my expectations for the regular players during the 2009 season. The players will be grouped by position, and as always, I encourage you to send me your expectations once you've read this list.

So without any further ado, let's begin.

Everyday Players

C: Jason Varitek needs to hit higher than .200 and hit in the clutch. Sure, he's valuable to the pitching staff, but even aging veterans should hit more than .200 if they play everyday. Consistent hitting should also end his problem of failure in the clutch, which happened far too often last year.

1B: Kevin Youklis had a breakout year last year with 29 homers and 110 RBI. I'd expect the same type of numbers this year, along with the steady defense I know he can provide.

2B: You can't do any better than Dustin Pedroia did last year. I'll only say that I expect him to continue to display the tough and gritty approach to hitting that he perfected last season.

SS: Julio Lugo needs to contribute any way he can. Jed Lowrie was a nice, scrappy addition, much like Jody Reed was in 1988. I expect Lowrie to become the regular shortstop on this team—and to hit for a higher average.

3B: I'll be brief. I expect Mike Lowell to stay healthy. A healthy Lowell could have made a difference in the ALCS.

LF: Jason Bay needs to make the fans and the opposition forget about Manny Ramirez. He did well in the short term last season, but the question remains: can he keep it up for a whole season?

CF: Jacoby Ellsbury needs to get on base more. The speed is there, but failure to get on base could mean Rocco Baldelli gets more playing time.

RF: I hope JD Drew can play a whole season and display power throughout the season—not just in the month of June.

The Rotation

Josh Beckett: If you stay healthy and locate your pitches better, you'll be as good as you were in 2007.

Jon Lester: Continue being the toughest lefty in the league, aside from Cliff Lee. You can easily win 20 games with the stuff you have.

Daisuke Matsuzaka: You've proven you can win and strike people out, but you need to cut down the walks. Your starts are painful to watch.

Tim Wakefield: Location, location, location! You don't have much left in the tank Wake, and as sad as it is to admit, I'd rather see either Smoltz or Buchholz in the rotation instead of you. Prove your worth.

Brad Penny: I'm not expecting you to be an ace, but I still think you can win 10-12 games.

The Pen

Jonathan Papelbon: Keep blowing hitters away; you're the most talented closer in the league—now keep the pressure on.

Takaishi Saito: Throw your nasty breaking stuff, and be ready to close in case Papelbon can't.

Justin Masterson: Be ready to assume a lot of roles this season. We may need you for everything—from one out to long relief.

Hideki Okjima: Display better control than you did last year.

Ramon Ramirez: Be ready to provide us with the big strikeout in case we need it.

Javier Lopez: Continue getting lefties out.

If all expectations are met, then I think Terry Francona won't be the only one smiling. The Red Sox will be poised to make a deep run in the postseason.

Play ball!