Since Theo Epstein took over as Boston Red Sox general manager in 2003, the Sox have been a fixture in the American League playoffs. Last season was no different, as Boston claimed the Wild Card. They failed to advance out of the first round, losing to a solid Los Angeles club, and the 2010 version of the Red Sox looks even more capable than its 2009 counterpart.
In the offseason, Boston made some dramatic changes and it looks like they have built a team heavy on defense. Mike Cameron was signed for his glove in center, as Jacoby Ellsbury will be moved to left field. Defensive wizard Adrian Beltre will take over at third base for Mike Lowell, who struggled with the glove. The Sox also added Marco Scutaro to play shortstop, and he figures to be a defensive upgrade, as well. In total, they could stand to be around 50 runs better on defense in 2010. With that in mind, what should we make of their lineup and pitching staff?
2010 Lineup
Though players like Cameron and Beltre were signed for their work with the glove, they should be solid offensive contributors, as well. Those guys will just have to fall in line, though, as Boston has a solid core of players at the top of the order. Jacoby Ellsbury will bat leadoff and should be a solid bet for more than 50 steals in 2010. Behind him, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and Victor Martinez provide the major pop for this lineup. Though often overlooked, J.D. Drew remains one of the best offensive players in baseball when he's healthy and projections have him posting a better than .400 on-base percentage yet again in 2010.
This lineup might not be the best that Boston has put on the field in the last ten years, but it figures to score enough runs to balance a solid defense and good pitching staff.
2010 Pitching Staff
Speaking of that pitching staff, it bears repeating just how good this bunch should be in 2010. They added John Lackey, and a front three of Lester, Beckett, and Lackey figures to be among the league's best combos at the top. Clay Bucholz showed some signs of improvement last season, and Daisuke Matsuzaka is healthy once again. This starting five, along with closer Jonathan Papelbon, should prevent runs as well as any big league team this season.
Overall, the 2010 Red Sox look to be very balanced, and they will be hard to beat. They should battle New York and Tampa Bay at the top of the AL East all season, and look for them to find their way into the playoffs when the year is done.
Boston Red Sox tickets are one of the most popular sports ticket being sold at this time. Plan early to ensure that you can buy Red Sox tickets for the games that you want.
The Boston Red Sox are a member of the American League’s Eastern Division. The Red Sox was one of the American League’s eight charter franchises and was founded in 1901. The club won five World Series by 1918. However, the Red Sox went into one of the longest championship droughts in baseball history until they won their sixth World Series Championship in 2004. The Red Sox have been one of the most dominant teams in the last decade, competing in four American League Championship Series (ALCS) and winning two World Series since 2003.
Buy Boston Red Sox Tickets Now!