Opting to go with pitching and defense over high-powered offense has caused the term “run prevention” to be tossed around quite a bit.
And while the Sox were taking the road less traveled, the all too predictable Yankees once again flexed their financial muscle. Instead of bringing back Matsui or Damon, the Evil Empire added Curtis Granderson to a lineup that already boasts sluggers like Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. Those three bats alone should produce close to 110 homeruns for the Yankees this season.
Beating out the Yankees for the AL East title could be a daunting task for Tito and the boys in 2010. But should we expect to see the Red Sox in the playoffs at all? The answer is yes, and this is why.
Starting Rotation:
Josh Beckett: After struggling through an injury ridden 2008, Josh Beckett showed that he still has what it takes last season. Although he struggled at times, Beckett posted 17 wins for the Red Sox and kept his ERA under 4.00.
With the addition of Lackey and the quality performance of Lester, some of the pressure will be taken off of Beckett to be the clean cut ace of the staff. With 2010 being his contract year; look for Josh to put it all on the line and give Boston one of his finest seasons.
Prediction: (W-L) – 16-8 (ERA) – 3.40 (SO) – 210
Jon Lester: If it weren’t for the slow start to the 2009 season, Lester would have been right in the mix for the Cy Young Award voting. Heading into his third full season as a starter, Lester should have everything figured out. Arguably the best lefty in the American League, he has never pitched a full season as a starter with an ERA over 3.50. A stellar 2010 campaign should help Lester in his quest for his first ever Cy Young Award.
Prediction: (W-L) – 19-7 (ERA) – 3.25 (SO) – 240
*AL CY YOUNG WINNER
John Lackey: By far Boston’s most important signing this off season, Lackey should give the Red Sox the best 1-2-3 punch in all of baseball. While injuries have spiked his ERA a bit over the last couple seasons, he still posted a 3.01 ERA in 2007. If Boston can get Lackey to meet somewhere in the middle, this rotation will be very dangerous.
However, this is a new city for the big righty and he may need some time to adjust. A slow start is not the end of the world, and if Boston can find the post season, Lackey’s presence will certainly be felt.
Prediction: (W-L) – 14-10 (ERA) – 4.01 (SO) – 125
Daisuke Matsuzaka: Daisuke is the difference maker. If he has crashes like last year, the Red Sox should still be fine. If he can do what he did in 2008, the Red Sox will have the best rotation in baseball, hands down. Daisuke has the power to put the Red Sox over the top in the pitching department by creating a logjam between Wakefield and Buchholz.
2010 will be the biggest test that Matsuzaka has had to face since coming to the MLB, and if he proves himself, all of Boston will benefit. Of course, you can’t just expect him to bounce back to the 18-3 record that he boasted in 2008 – realistically, Matsuzaka should find himself somewhere in between his stellar 2008 campaign and his horrible 2009.
Prediction: (W-L) – 12-10 (ERA) – 4.20 (SO) – 130
Tim Wakefield / Clay Buchholz: Here lies the only concern with the Red Sox rotation. Who will be the fifth starter?
We all know exactly what we will get from Tim Wakefield: consistent stuff, a few injuries here and there and at the end of the season, a record just over .500. Sounds perfect for a number 5 starter, right?
The problem is, Clay Buchholz was arguably Boston’s best pitcher down the stretch and certainly proved that he is ready to be a full time starter for this team. Most likely though, the spot will be given to Wakefield. He is 17 wins short of becoming the all time leader in wins for Boston, and has been on the team since 1995. But one single chink in his age-old armor could allow Buchholz to take his spot for good.
Prediction (Wakefield): (W-L) – 11-9 (ERA) – 4.65 (SO) – 101
Prediction (Buchholz): (W-L) – 7-3 (ERA) – 3.95 (SO) – 59
The Bullpen: Boston’s bullpen was one of the best for most of 2009. In 2010, the Sox will be bringing back the majority of the pen, and should once again flourish.
Although many look upon Papelbon’s 2009 season as a disappointment, he still posted some solid numbers. Saving more than 30 games for his fourth straight season, Pap posted a sub 2.00 ERA in just under 70 innings. With a supporting cast of Daniel Bard, Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez, and Manny Delcarmen, Papelbon and the rest of Boston’s bullpen should be among the elite in 2010, pushing them towards the 2010 postseason.
Great insight.Loved it.
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