Pedroia Mvp
2011 Red Sox Arrive to Spring Training Retooled and Ready to Win
This may very well be the most anticipated Spring Trainings in recent years for the Red Sox. After GM Theo Epstein made some blockbuster moves over the off-season, the 2011 Red Sox, at least on paper, looks like a powerhouse in both pitching and defense.
This off-season was definitely exciting for Sox fans with the acquisition of may new players and the bringing back of a few long time favorites. The highlight of the winter is the trade for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez with the Padres. Gonzalez has already been at camp for several days, he is an elite hitter just in the prime of his career.
Two other huge acquisitions this winter is the speedy left fielder Carl Crawford and reliever Bobby Jenks. Jenks who has spent the last six years as the closer for the White Sox will be utilized in a different role as a setup man to closer Jonathan Papelbon. “It’s the Red Sox,” said Jenks. “Yeah. I don’t want to go into the whole Red Sox-Yankees battle just yet, but I’d rather be a Red Sox, for sure. I know [the media wants] it and the fans want it, but I’d rather be here than anywhere on the East Coast. Let’s just leave it at that.” Crawford is coming from the divional rival Rays and has the potential to hit .300 and steal 60 bases every season.
The Bosox were also able to come to terms to bring veteran catcher and captain Jason Veritek back for another season to mentor Jared Saltalamacchia as he continues his transition to full-time catcher.
Just as last year the starting rotation is expected to be one of the best in baseball. The Red Sox might have the best starting four combination with Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, and John Lackey. Lester and Buchholz combined to win 36 games last season. Beckett was riddled with injury last season and just couldn’t seem to get into a groove when coming back. Lackey also had a somewhat disappointing season in 2010, but we are hoping that he can get back to the way he pitched in 2009. The fifth starter position will most like be held by held by Daisuka Matsuzaka, who went 9-6 with a 4.69 ERA in 2010.
The bullpen, who many agree was the Sox greatest weakness in 2010 looks to be a lot better in 2011. Epstien brought in former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks and Rays setup man Dan Wheeler to combine with Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon.
Epstein also made some improvements to the lineup in 2011. The additions of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford could be what sets the Sox apart from their competition in the AL East. Crawford, who hit .307 with 19 home runs, 90 RBIs and 47 stolen bases for Tampa Bay last season. Gonzalez is coming off a season in which he hit .298 with 31 HRs and 101 RBIs for San Diego.
The off-season also served valuable time to get Sox players healthy as there were many injuries last season. Jacoby Ellsbury who was out almost the entire season will be back patrolling center field and will form one of the best outfield pairings in baseball with Crawford. Kevin Youkilis will be back though not at his normal first base position as he is moving back to third where he played as a minor leaguer. The perennial MVP candidate hit .307 with 19 bombs and 62 RBIs in only 102 games last season. Joining Youks on the infield is former AL MVP Dustin Pedroia who is hungry to be back at the plate after his injury-shortened season.
About the Author
Dale Turley
http://thebosoxspot.com/news.php?id=13
Dustin Pedroia, MVP – Boston Baseball Writers Award Dinner
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