Boston Red Sox: 2010 Fantasy Baseball Preview

Once again the Red Sox are loaded with fantasy talent.  Expectations are high in Red Sox nation with most fans predicting over 100 wins and a division championship.  This looks feasible, especially since they have an absolutely stacked starting rotation.  Undoubtedly the most intriguing part of the Red Sox impact on fantasy baseball will be the starting rotation.

Josh Beckett
The most important statistic every season for Beckett is games started.  Perennially he is one of the best in the game.  What keeps him separated from the Lincecums of this world is the fact that fantasy owners cannot count on him to make 30 starts for them in a season.  Last season he managed to make 32 starts and pitched like the ace that your fantasy team deserves by going 17-6 with a 1.21 WHIP and just one shy of 200 K's.  With that said, last season was only the second time in his 9 season career that Beckett was able to make over 30 starts, so proceed with caution on draft day.

John Lackey
For the first time in three seasons, Lackey appears to be healthy headed into spring training.  This is good news for Red Sox fans who are eager to see the Angels former ace on their squad this season.  The question that needs to be answered is how will Lackey make the transition to the AL East?  Skeptics will say that Lackey will struggle since he will have to face lineups like the Yankees, Rays and Jays more often.  Although that may be the case Lackey has always been the Angels big game pitcher, going back to his game 7 World Series victory in his rookie season.  Sox fans shouldn't expect too much out of Lackey though, since he is coming off of an 11 win season.  Realistically expect Lackey to earn about 12 or 13 wins with an ERA around 3.75.

Jon Lester

Some were disappointed in Lester's 2009 performance since his ERA went up and his win totals went down.  Despite those numbers, Lester had another outstanding season in 2009, where he did increase his strikeouts from 152 to 225 and lowered his WHIP from 1.27 to 1.23.  If anything, I would say that Lester's numbers show that he can be consistent at a position that can be very erratic.  You will be able to draft Lester as your second starter and receive first starter numbers.  He should be a very good value on draft day.

Draft Order:
1. Josh Beckett (SP) - A true ace if he can get you thirty starts per season.
2. Jon Lester (SP) - Will see some good matchups early on as the Sox second or third starter.
3. John Lackey (SP) - Lackey will be solid, but probably not an ace.
4. Dustin Pedroia (2B) - Will be in the top tier of 2B once again.  Should go in the mid rounds.
5. Kevin Youkilis (3B/1B) - More valuable as your third baseman.  You should have better options at first.
6. Victor Martinez (C) - Easily the second ranked catcher.
7. Jonathan Papelbon (RP) - Should get close to 40 saves once again.
8. Jacoby Ellsbury (OF) - Snatch him up in roto leagues for steals and runs.
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka (SP) - Will the back injury keep him down?
10. David Ortiz (DH) - Ortiz had slow start last season but still finished with 28 HR and 99 RBIs
11. Clay Buchholz (SP) - Could have a breakout season if he can get a full year of starts.
12. Adrian Beltre (3B) - He will benefit by moving to more of a hitter's park.