Boston Red Sox: 5 Bold Predictions for 2012 Season

The Boston Red Sox are still dealing with the bitter end of the 2011 season, but I think it's time to move on and think about next year.

Predictions will help make the fans forget about the 2011 meltdown and focus on what could happen in 2012.

Here are five bold predictions for the 2012 Red Sox, including the playoffs.

That is, if they can even make the playoffs!

98 or More Wins

The Red Sox will be one of the best teams in MLB in 2012, and the team chemistry will be better than ever.

The team will be able to win even more consistently and could have a 100-win season in 2012.

Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury Combine for over 85 Steals

Crawford and Ellsbury will be the speedy duo that the Sox wanted in 2012.

In 2011, Ellsbury lived up to expectations with 39 steals, but Crawford only had 18.

Both of these players will steal bases at an alarming rate and will be a threat to steal at any given moment.

Red Sox Win AL East

The Red Sox will need to make the playoffs in 2012 for it to be a successful season, and winning the AL East would be the best scenario.

The Yankees and Rays will put up a fight with the Sox, but in the final month, the Sox will pull away and the Yankees will get the wild-card spot.

Red Sox Make It to World Series

David Ortiz may have been out in St. Louis watching the games this year, but he should be back with the Sox in 2012 and playing in the World Series.

It really depends on the Sox' pitching. If it improves, then they will be able to make it to the World Series.

Winning the whole thing is also a possibility.

Adrian Gonzalez Hits 50 Home Runs

Gonzalez had to get used to a big-market team and a new ballpark in 2011, and now it is time for him to shine in 2012.

With only 27 home runs in 2011, Gonzalez had some power slumps.

He hit over .330, and if that dips, then you can expect his power numbers to skyrocket in 2012.