While Manny Ramirez decides where to play this season, the Red Sox continue. Most fans, while reminiscing of the Great Man-Ram, are happier that he’s happy
elsewhere. For the first time since 2000, the constant drama of Manny feeling underappreciated has departed Boston for sunny skies.
The perennial Boston Backstop, Jason Varitek is back with the squad. Talking for the first time since his one year $5 million contract was signed, sealed and delivered. Varitek said this, “I get closer to retiring in this uniform,” and that he doesn’t see himself retiring anytime soon.
The 2009 pitching staff is largely still together heading into spring. Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester and Tim Wakefield will be welcoming two new faces, Brad Penny and John Smoltz. Penny is trying to rebound from a shoulder injury and a forgettable season with the Dodgers last year. Smoltz also coming off shoulder surgery want to prove he has something left in his 41 year old arm. If they stay healthy (and that goes for any team) Boston’s pitching should help them compete for a title in the toughest division in baseball.
The 2008 MVP returns with a six-year, $40.5 million deal. Kevin Youklis also signed on for four years at $40 million and is coming off a 29 HR, 115 RBI season.
Mike Lowell was the World Series MVP in 2007, but after coming off hip surgery how will his body hold up? Jed Lowrie came in and had an immediate impact following the injury to Julio Lugo. He has a good glove but struggled in the post season offensively.
Jason Bay was productive batting in the middle of the order,and will probably try to bolster 2009. He will be a free agent in 2010, barring a contract extension.
J.D. Drew had a very hot summer but struggled after the all-star break. Jacoby Ellsbury now has center field to himself following the departure of Coco Crisp, and will try to establish himself as a top of the line-up hitter.
How much better the Sox will be can only be determined once the season has begun. Tampa Bay and New York have improved themselves, and it will be a dog fight
as it usually is for Red Sox Nation.
