Boston Red Sox 2009 Boston Red Sox Spring Training 2009 is now in full swing, much to the delight of all of Red Sox Nation, for whom the hot stove talk and tedium of the off season could not end soon enough. All signings are done as core, young players like Pedroia, Youkilis and Papelbon got new deals that they can all be very happy with and Jason Varitek, the last to return to the fold, was finally signed after protracted negotiations. Most of the rest of the 2008 team will be returning so competition for jobs in camp will be mild with very few actual roster spots open. Battles for the back up catcher job and fifth starter may be the only news items of interest, other than the ever present talk about health and age concerns with various players.
Here's how the projected 25-man roster looks as training camp opens. Stats and awards following each player are 2008 numbers, followed by some key talking points going into the season. Batting order and rotation are set as most likely arrangements, subject to change, of course.
Starting Line-Up
On The Bench
Starting Rotation
*Starting the season on the Disabled List.
Bullpen
Contenders/Prospects
End of Part One
Part Two, to be published later in training camp, will feature a more analytical approach to the team, comparing roster strengths and weaknesses to that of the team's competition in the American League East.
And, yes, that means the Yankees, first and foremost.
Go figure.
© Ken Socrates 2009. All rights reserved.
Spring Training Report
1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF - 145 gms, .280, 9 hr, 47 rbi, 50 sb - The 2009 season will be a big one for the young speedster as he comes in as the unquestionable starting center fielder and (hopefully) leadoff hitter. With Coco Crisp traded to Kansas City to finally clear up any thoughts of a platoon, the job is Jacoby's as long as he can show more consistent play similar to the start of the 2008 season and not the end, when he was often replaced in the line-up by Crisp. A natural base-stealer with astonsihing speed, he brings superior outfield defense and game changing potential as a leadoff man, if he can keep his average up. Age: 25
2. Dustin Pedroia 2B - 157 gms, .326, 54 2b, 17 hr, 83 rbi, 118 r, 20 sb - AL MVP, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger - In only his second full season, the fiery little second baseman has become the heart and soul of the team, the straw that stirs the drink on offense and solid bordering on stellar on defense. Intense, with a natural chip on his shoulder that drives a fierce passion to prove those wrong that may have doubted his major league potential, he will tell you himself that the only thing that matters to him is winning. And you'll believe him. Age: 25
3. Kevin Youkilis 1B - 145 gms, .312, 43 2b, 29 hr, 115 rbi, 91 r, Hank Aaron Award - Along with Perdoia, Youkilis has become one of the key elements of the Red Sox offense. An on base machine, he found himself the de facto clean-up hitter in 2008 after the departure of Manny Ramirez and responded in kind, adding legitimate power to his already superior skill set at the plate. Versatile enough to play near flawless defense at either first or third, there is seemingly nothing he cannot do well and has evolved into an essential, driving force in the team's success. Age: 29
4. David Ortiz DH - 109 gms, .264, 23 hr, 89 rbi - For the second straight year, Ortiz' numbers showed a marked decline as the slugger struggled with injuries and inconsistency in 2008. Coming into training camp, health concerns and age, as well as decline in production and the departure of friend and slugging partner Ramirez, have made Big Papi a bit of a question mark entering 2009. The Red Sox dearly need their DH to be the power at the heart of the line-up that he always has been but the doubts remain as to whether he can be, or ever will be again. Age: 33
5. Jason Bay LF - 155 gms, .286, 31 hr, 101 rbi - I have no idea why Jason Bay gets as little pub as he does from local fans. Terry Francona, wanting to put as little pressure on him as possible after arriving in the Ramirez deal, often batted him down in the order and I think folks have forgotten that this is a guy who has regularly been a solid 30 hr, 100 rbi guy since the moment he started with the Pirates in 2004. And that was in the NL with Pittsburgh and no Green Monster to pop home runs off of or pepper for doubles. I'd like to see a higher spot in the order and more responsibility for Bay with the expectations that he would respond well. Age: 30
6. J.D. Drew RF - 109 gms, .280, 19 hr, 64 rbi - Drew's seasons are often up and down, contrasting stretches of weak hitting futility with stretches of blazing hot slugging for power and average that can carry a team. Injuries always play a role, as can be seen already in camp, and the Sox, by adding Baldelli and retaining Kotsay, are surely well aware of the ever present potential of losing the seemingly fragile Drew to the DL for stretches. When healthy, however, he brings a solid presence to the line-up. I think the Red Sox crave the stabilty of having that presence in there for at least 140 games. Age: 33
7. Mike Lowell 3B - 113 gms, .274, 17 hr, 74 rbi - One of the biggest concerns coming into camp is the health of Mike Lowell after he struggled through a debillitating torn labrum in his hip that hampered his running, fielding and hitting dramatically and eventually had to have surgery to correct. By all accounts, the surgery was a success and Lowell should return to spring training with every expectation of returning to form but any who saw the condition he was in before he was forced from the line-up will harbour secret fears that he won't be able to get back to that middle of the line-up power that made him the MVP of the 2007 World Series. When in top form, could easily be the team's 5 hitter. Age:35
8. Jed Lowrie SS - 81 gms, .258, 2 hr, 46 rbi - There were moments during his rookie season that Lowrie was a revelation, a dependable fielding short stop who could give them a little pop late in the line-up and who wasn't shy in late inning situations at the plate. A contributor, in many ways, unlike the overpaid and unpopular Julio Lugo has been at the position. A couple of instances of heroics at Fenway park ensured that fans knew who he was. As the season progressed, production faltered at times and his youthfulness was in evidence. Still favored over Lugo for the starting job in 2009, should no other signings occur. Age: 24
9. Jason Varitek C - 131 gms, .220, 13 hr, 43 rbi, -An exceptionally poor free agent season at the plate for Jason Varitek made for the most talk-show driven controversy in the off-season as there was abundant debate amongst fans and media about the signing/not signing of the aging catcher. High profile mega-agent Scott Boras was in the mix when he and 'Tek declined arbitration which would have likely ensured a 10+ million dollar 1-year contract, and tempted free agency where there were no other takers in a barren market. Now in the fold for half that, the valuable rearguard, beloved by his pitching staff for his game calling abilities, will want to rebound with a much improved season. Age:37
Julio Lugo SS/2B - 82 gms, .268, 1 hr, 22 rbi - The most well paid utility man in baseball, Lugo has become just a contract they can't unload because no one out there really wants a below average fielding, weak hitting short-stop making 9 million dollars a year. Whatever happens they'll end up eating his contract and, as they're surely aware of his widespread unpopularity, perhaps they'll eventually find some way to move him to another team, something in the likely best interest of all concerned. Age:33
Mark Kotsay OF - 110 gms, .276, 6 hr, 49 rbi (Atl/Bos) - Proved to be a very reliable and valuable addition to the team as a versatile substitute for injured players at various positions late in the 2008 season when he was traded in from Atlanta. Essentially the team's starting first baseman by the playoffs, he had already served as a fill-in for J.D. Drew in right field, as well. Re-signed as a free agent to return to that role in 2009, he is currently recovering from recent surgery to repair a displaced disc fragment in his back and the team is looking for an April/May return. Age:33
Rocco Baldelli OF - 28 gms, .263, 4 hr, 14 rbi (TB) - Claiming a better understanding of his health concerns that will make him more durable, Baldelli signed with the Sox as a free agent to provide outfield depth and a right handed bat off the bench. He can play center and right and provide a little insurance against injury and faltering play. Health will always be a concern until he proves otherwise, he remains a local favorite, hailing from Woonsocket, RI. One late inning home-run at Fenway in a Red Sox uniform and he'll be immortal. Age:27
Josh Bard C - 57 gms, .202, 1 hr, 16 rbi (SD) -A puzzling signing for a lot of Sox loyal who remember his cup of coffee with the team in 2006 and his bizarre departure after he proved unable, at the time, to handle Tim Wakefield's knuckleball, which had always been the role of the back-up catcher. After a frustrating 7 games and 10 passed balls, he was shipped to San Diego for Doug Mirabelli, Wakefield's personal binky. Now, with Mirabelli gone for good, Bard is back and looking to grab the back-up role once again, hopefully with more success. Age:30
George Kottaras C - 107 gms, .243, 22 hr, 65 rbi (PAW) - With Josh Bard signed to a non-guaranteed deal, the door is definately open for Kottaras to take the job, should he prove himself in camp. Apparently, he is out of options, as well, which may force the issue if it becomes a close call. The bottom line, however, with Vartek slowing down and no impact prospect ready to make the jump from the minors in the next few seasons, the Sox' search for the "catcher of the future" continues. Age: 25
Josh Beckett RHP - 12-10, 4.03 era, 172 k - If you've noticed the term "health" used a lot in this report, then you've a flare for spotting the obvious. The theme continues into the starting rotation and foremost on the list of concerns is the health of star righthander Beckett whom the Sox desperately need to return to his 2007 form after a frustrating, disappointng 2008. Initial reports have him coming into camp in excellent shape, unlike last year, and throwing well with no signs of the strained oblique that hampered him so badly at the end of last season. The team and it's fans want nothing more that their stud No. 1 to regain the dominating stuff and attitude that lead him to so much success in the past. Age: 28
Jon Lester LHP - 16-6, 3.21 era, 152 k - 2008 was Jon Lester's coming out party as the inspiriational lefty asceneded the ladder as one of the game's most effective pitchers, roughly only a year after his succesful battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Big, strong, with overpowering stuff at times and a real sense of how to pitch, Lester came into his own and was literally unhittable at times, as witnessed during his May 19th No-hitter at Fenway Park. The Red Sox have every expectation that Lester's progress will continue as he carves out a place as one of the dominant left-handed pitchers in all of MLB. Age: 25
Daisuke Matsuzaka RHP - 18-3, 2.90 era, 154 k - Dice-K had a fantastic 2008 in terms of statistics but, as anyone who watched him game in and game out can attest, he did a lot of it in unnerving, high wire fashion. His unwillingness to give in to any batter led to high pitch counts and excessive walks, all countered by an uncanny ability to get out of jams when he needed to, but stomach churning to watch nonetheless. One cannot argue his ability or his desire, only his methods, and doing so is difficult when one considers the need to balance the pitching philosophies of his homeland with those of the modern MLB and the Red Sox, who have shown an overwhelming desire to protect their pitcher's arms at all cost. Of course, at odds with this is Dice-K's participation once again in the World Baseball Classic, where pride and expectations will put a little extra burden and wear on that valuable arm. A concern, certainly. Age: 28
Brad Penny RHP - 6-9, 6.27 era, 51 k (LAD) - Penny had a difficult 2008 with shoulder problems that hampered his production and reliability, both of which the team hopes he can reset to 2006-2007 levels, when he had consecutive 16 win, 200 inning, 130+ strikeout seasons. Signed to a very reasonable contact, he's the sort of low risk, high reward addition Sox brass adore. Time and health will tell if it pays off. Age: 31
Tim Wakefield RHP - 10-11, 4.13 era, 117 k - Already the longest tenured player on the team, Wakefield has become a sort of ageless wonder and a consistently reliable bottom of the rotation pitcher who can eat innings and win games. One wonders if he could throw that knuckleball for many years to come with little or no drop off in effectiveness. Versatility and a proven willingness to do whatever the team wants of him have served the veteran well, as does a spotless community presence, all of which has resulted in yet another season in Red Sox colors. Age: 42
John Smoltz* RHP - 3-2, 2.57 era, 36 k (Atl) - Is there any gas left in the tank for the former Atlanta fireballer? The Sox seem to think so and are gambling that, after rehabbing through the early part of the season, the veteran could be a valuable mid-season addition to the staff, giving a much needed boost when other arms might be tiring. The Red Sox philosophy in recent years has been that you can't have enough starting pitching and, though it might sometimes seem like throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks, there is a method behind the madness for certain. No better example than the signing of John Smoltz. Age: 41
Jonathan Papelbon RHP - 5-4, 2.34 era, 77 k, 41 svs - Papelbon remains a force of nature at the end of the Sox bullpen and one of the key elements of the team's success. The ultimate power closer replete with menacing stare and a blazing fastball. Rumblings that it was sometimes a little to straight and a tiny bump in some of his numbers had one or two folks questioning his status among the game's elite closers but the fact remains that this is the sort of young, talented, ultra-competitive pitcher you want to build your team around. Period. Age: 28
Hideki Okajima LHP - 3-2, 2.61 era, 60 k - Should remain solid as the team's left-handed set-up man even if he never quite regains the remarkable form of his rookie season in 2007. It would be too much to expect, anyway, but his unconventional delivery and mound savvy, and his effectiveness against right handed batters as well, will make him a key element late in games once again. Age: 33
Takashi Saito RHP - 4-4, 2.49 era, 60 k (LAD) - Saito's numbers as the closer in LA had always been phenomenal until a shoulder injury sidelined him in 2008. Once again, a health concern places a gigantic "what if" into the big picture but, if his age and injury concerns can be put behind him and he can once again pitch like his old self, this could be a monster of a signing for the Red Sox, hoping to build a superior bullpen that just might make the key difference in a hotly contested AL East race. Age: 39
Justin Masterson RHP - 6-5, 3.16 era, 68 - Masteson was a revelation in 2008 when he was moved to the bullpen, proving so effective and so unflappable that he had become the team's everyday right-handed set-up man during the stretch run and into the playoffs. Terry Francona showed remarkable confidence in the youngster's poise and ability which paid dividends in the righty's performance and confidence. Going into 2009, it's hard to see that not continuing, as long as the team is sure it has other options in the starting rotation and can afford to leave Masterson's arm in the bullpen. Age: 23
Ramon Ramirez RHP - 3-2, 2.64 era, 70 k (KC) - Ramirez, aquired from Kansas City in a trade for Coco Crisp, has the potential to be a key right hander in middle relief for the team, an area that has been inconsistent at best in recent seasons. His numbers in 2008 were stellar, in sharp contrast to his results the previous year in Colorado, but everyone knows that he would not be alone in that discrepancy. Regardless, he remains a bit of a hopeful wild card that could potentially solidify the bullpen if he can continue to build on his recent success in the AL. Age: 27
Manny Delcarmen RHP - 1-2, 3.27 era, 72 k, 74.1 ip - Apparently, Delcarmen has told the manager that he wants the job as the right handed set-up man and, while such ambitions are admirable, Sox fans and management are likely to take a more realistic approach to such claims. Consistency has always been a problem for him and, though he throws hard and can strike batters out, sometimes get in trouble by relying too heavily on his fastball. Supposedly spent the winter working on his curveball to make it more effective. Age: 27
Javier Lopez LHP - 2-0, 2.43 era, 70 app - Once again proved to be a very reliable lefty out of the bullpen for the team and, though his stuff has never been such that he would battle for a spot in the bullpen that would have him pitching later into games, he has proven his value to the staff without much doubt at this point. 2008 was the first season in his career that the sidearm throwing lefthander did not spend a single game in the minors and he is surley looking for that to continue going forward. Age: 31
Clay Buchholz RH SP - 2-9, 6.75 era, 72 k - Within the Sox organization, many still consider Clay Buchholz to have "ace potential" despite a frustrating season in 2008 where he struggled mightily when up with the big club. He throws a number of pitches effectively, his change-up and curveball being superior, bordering on unhittable on any given night and has excellent composure on the mound, witnessed during his amazing September 1st, 2007 no-hitter, thrown in just his second major league start. Thus, he remains the team's brightest pitching prospect and closest to making the roster at some point in the 2009 season. Age: 24
Michael Bowden RH SP - 9-4, 2.33, 101 k (PORT) - Another big right hander with a fierce, competitive spirit, Bowden has the kind of stuff that has some folks projecting him as a solid No. 3 starter in the majors. An emergency call-up start in Boston in 2008 had the righty displaying exceptional poise, pitching well enough to earn his first major league win and giving fans a small tease of potential things to come in the Sox starting rotation. Age: 22
Wes Littleton RH RP - 0-0, 6.00 era, 14 k (TEX) - Coming in a minor trade with the Rangers in November, Littleton adds potential depth to the bullpen in long relief. Has been very successful in the past, notably the 1.73 era he posted in 2006 but one wonders about the upside of a player that doesn't figure into the plans of a pitching staved franchise like Texas. Can you say, "Take a flyer?" Age: 26
Gil Velazquez SS/2B - 101 gms, .260, 10 hr, 46 rbi (PAW) - Veteran minor-leaguer with the versatility to play all infield and outfield positions. Good defensive ability but very limited on offense. Strictly a depth player with the ability to fill in on the bench should injuries arise. Age: 29
Brad Wilkerson 1B/OF - 104 gms, .220, 4 hr, 28 rbi (SEA/TOR) - Recently signed to be a fill-in candidate for Mark Kotsay's job as a back-up 1st baseman and outfielder as he recovers from surgery, Wilkerson's minor league deal shows how far the former 30 home run man has fallen in the eyes of major league talent evaluators and the Sox are likely only looking at him as a stop-gap measure and insurance against any complications in Kotsay's return. Age: 31
Jeff Bailey 1B/OF - 109 gms, .301, 25 hr, 75 rbi - Has seen a brief amount of action at the major league level for the Sox in the past two seasons and remains a potential call up to fill in any vacancies that suit his strengths, mainly those of a power hitting 1B/DH type with limited abilities in the field. A good soldier for the organization for the past 5 years, he actually allowed the Sox to release him from the 40-man roster when Varitak was resigned, only to resign a minor league deal with the team. Potentially valuable back-up/pinch hitter type on the bench. Age:30
