2010 Red Sox

I know I make bad predictions but here are a few of mine for the Red Sox in 2010.

1) Two words to describe the Sox vs. Yankees: Arms Race. This conflict will not end in peace (despite how the 80’s turned out). The Sox have really revamped their pitching staff to consist of an elite core of three aces and two potential aces. Despite what they said last year about “too much pitching” this year we have too much GOOD pitching, at the moment there are 6 starters who are ready to go and log in innings and wins, no counting on some has-beens this year.

2) Hitting: It is going to be tough this year to get the monster homerun numbers we’ve been used to, but when you think about it there are some average-good bats in the order, Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis, Drew, Ortiz, and Martinez. Cameron and Beltre should be helped by Fenway’s cozy left field, and Scutaro will hopefully have another good year. The real key is for Ellsbury to hit a groove, Pedroia to shorten his swing, and for Papi to return to his 2004 form (or at least 2007).

3) Defense: There is no doubt that the defense is a lot better, there are currently 4 Gold Gloves (not counting V-Tek), and Ellsbury and Drew should be on consideration for one. Also, just thinking in terms of shortstop the Sox lost a good chunk of games due to the combination of Green and Lugo, erase those errors in Scutaro and that is an extra 5 wins – can anyone say 100-62?

Hopefully if all these things fall into place, the Sox will be much better this year and be able to compete with the Yankees.