Mar 07 2009
Fragile Stars Will Play a Big Role for Red Sox
After losing out on the Mark Teixiera signing Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein decided to stick with low risk signings John Smoltz, Brad Penny, Rocco Baldelli and Takashi Saito. The Red Sox will hope that centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury can develop into an every guy and avoid the slumps that forced departed Coco Crisp into the lineup. Ellsbury got away from hitting the opposite way some last season and cannot afford to do that again.
Saito, Smoltz and Penny when healthy are elite arms that should bolster the Sox staff. While they will be major questions, the Red Sox have not gambled heavily on their returns. Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden are two starters who have proved all they need to in the minor leagues and could be serviceable spot starters. Justin Masterson showed the ability in 2008 to be a starter going 7-3 before being moved to the setup role in front of Jonathan Papelbon.
The Red Sox main questions are in their lineup. The loss in the Teixiera sweepstakes means that Boston will rely on fragile third baseman Mike Lowell to anchor both the defensive infield as well as the RBI spot behind first baseman Kevin Youkilis and DH David Ortiz. Mark Kotsay and Baldelli provide some insurance behind Drew and Lowell, Kotsay can play both the outfield and first base.
A major injury to Ortiz, Youkilis or Lowell could expedite the progression of prospect Lars Anderson. Anderson, the first baseman of the future, is expected to be a middle of the order type of run producer who also brings an advanced approach in the mold of an Adrian Gonzalez.
