The Red Sox are the defending World Series champions and remain in that position until proven otherwise. Why is it that there doesn't appear to be a great deal of enthusiasm about the possibility of their retaining that crown?
It could be anger over what could have been. Manny Ramirez might have proven he had a gram of integrity by having his torrid September in a Boston uniform but no, he is busy winning over followers of the junior varsity in Los Angeles. However, let's leave any residual antipathy towards that dog behind and focus on the team that is going to the tournament.
They have lost a big bat but they are arguably a better ball club defensively and in the club house. Certainly Jason Bay is a significant upgrade in left field and the other outfield positions are even stronger with Ellsbury improving daily and both Coco Crisp and J.D. Drew proven defenders.
The infield is basically improved by subtraction. Julio Lugo was not contributing either in the field or at the bat and Jed Lowrie has proven to be a more than adequate replacement in both categories. Both Pedroia and Youkilis are having career years and either could win the MVP award. When you get 211 hits and a .493 slugging percentage out of a middle infielder you know you have something very special. The kicker with Pedroia is that he just turned 25 years old. Youkilis has filled in admirably in the clean up spot with 29 home runs and 115 RBI.
Third base would normally be well staffed but apparently Mike Lowell re-injured his hip last night and at this point may be a question mark for the playoffs. The Sox are strong on the bench however and his absence could be filled by moving Youkilis to third and putting Casey on first. The injury bug may also affect the outfield as Drew is just back from a disc injury and we will not know for a while if he is at peak efficiency.
The catching department is solid with Varitek and Cash. They aren't hitting for average but there is power there and the game calling and defensive experience of Varitek is a definite advantage. The middle of the batting order is filled with David Ortiz and as long as he is breathing, opposing pitchers will have fear in their hearts and the Boston fans will have hope.
Starting pitching would appear to be the Sox biggest advantage. The big three of Beckett, Matsusaka and Lester is better than anyone else is throwing and until someone proves differently, Beckett is the reigning World Series stud. Pitcher number four is up in the air at the moment but Paul Byrd or Tim Wakefield are seasoned performers.
The bull pen would seem to be a bit of a question mark. Papelbon is nearly a sure thing but getting to him has been a bit spotty. Okajima is merely mortal this year as opposed to last and Manny Delcarmen has not yet achieved lights out status. Justin Masterson has proven to be a solid set up man but as a rookie has not been on the very big stage.
So the defense of the crown begins on Wednesday against the Angels in L.A.. We have faced them a number of times in the past and handled them however, they are a bit retooled this year and own the American League's best record. It is a good match up for us but if Lowell, who was last year's Series MVP and Drew are lost for the series it might be a difference maker in a series of evenly matched clubs.
