Boston Red Sox 2009 Preview

Logan on 03 7, 2009

Boston Red Sox 2008 Review:

The Boston Red Sox again showed that they are one of the premiere franchises in the MLB last year falling just short of what would have been thier third World Series appearance of the new century. After battling all year long in the toughest division in baseball, the Sox emerged as the American League’s Wild Card. After taking care of the Angels (surprised?) in the ALDS, the Red Sox fell to the upstart Rays in a thrilling and heart-breaking ALCS that went seven games. One of the biggest stories was Manny Ramirez. Manny, when he wasn’t shoving traveling secretaries, was on the field giving about 60%. This led to Manny’s departure from Boston after a trade that brought Jason Bay over from Pittsburgh. Bay shined for Boston in his time patrolling left field, but fans couldn’t help but think if things would have been different in the postseason had they been able to keep Ramirez happy. 2008 saw Jon Lester flash ace potential and fresh young shortstop Jed Lowrie make a name for himself. Despite lingering injuries to important pieces such as Josh Beckett, J.D. Drew and David Ortiz, the Red Sox used their incredible depth to punch their ticket to the postseason.

Boston Red Sox 2009 Preview:

The key to Boston’s success in 2009 is their ability to stay healthy. After an off-season that saw them add onto what is already a stellar bullpen, one can only expect to see the Sox again playing baseball in October and September. The Red Sox brought in Ramon Ramirez, Rocco Baldelli, Takashi Saito, Wes Littleton and Junichi Tazawa to add to what is one of the best rosters in all of baseball. Baldelli should help fill the void left with the departure of Coco Crisp, and Ramirez and Saito will add to what is arguably the best bullpen in the league. The one problem the Red Sox have is too much pitching, which is never a bad thing. A stacked rotation will allow them to bring Tazawa along at a comfortable pace, as well as let young pitching prospects Michael Bowden and Clay Buchholz gain some seasoning in the minors. As long as J.D. Drew and David Ortiz are able to contribute at the level that they have the ability to, the Red Sox should be able to win upwards of 95-100 games.

Boston Red Sox Surprise Player of 2009:

Michael Bowden made his major league debut against the playoff bound Chicago White Sox last year at Fenway Park. Bowden was sharp in that outing going five strong innings allowing only 2 runs and earning the win giving a preview to the Fenway faithful as to what they can expect in the near future. The question is, how near is that future? Like I said above, the Red Sox pitching depth doesn’t leave much room in the rotation for Bowden at this point, but that’s for the better. Look for Bowden to make a few spot starts during the course of 2009, and maybe contribute heavily down the stretch of what should be a playoff push.

Boston Red Sox Projected 2009 Record:

1st place in the AL East with a record of 97-65.