Jacoby Ellsbury: The Man In Center Field

About two years ago, Jacoby Ellsbury had become the first rookie to hit two doubles in the same inning of a World Series game.  From that point on, fans, analysts, and scouts, expected a lot from this young, speedy center fielder.

For the 2008 season, everyone expected Jacoby to have a break out season—that didn't really happen. Jacoby struggled at times but did put up some decent numbers (.280, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 50 SB). During the '08 campaign, Jacoby proved that he could be a top center fielder by flashing some leather and making some unbelievable catches in the triangle at Fenway.

Now that the 2009 season for the Sox is well past the midpoint, Jacoby has proved to be a reliable offensive threat—not only an amazing fielder. Jacoby has stolen 40 bases, 10 shy of his total in '08. Jacoby is currently batting .297 with 5 homers, 29 RBI, and 47 runs scored.

Jacoby, along with Jason Bay and J.D. Drew have become one of the best defensive and offensive outfields in the bigs. It is a very difficult task to hit a gaping shot, or even a double against these three guys. They all have pretty solid arms and great range.

Jacoby has compiled some pretty big achievements too.  He stole home plate in a crucial game against the Yankees on April 26—that's how impressive his blazing speed is.

Jacoby's career postseason stats are also pretty solid too (.263, 11 RBI, 10 R and 5 SB in 19 games).

For the upcoming seasons, I, and many other Red Sox fans and analysts, will expect a lot out of this young, soon-to-be superstar. Seeing Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and their young pitching staff which includes, Daniel Bard, Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, and Manny Delcarmen, I expect some future World Series rings on all of these players.