Boston Red Sox

Contributor: Tim Daloisio, mvn.com/mlb-redsox

2007 Record: 96-66

2007 Summary: The 2007 Boston Red Sox season can be summed up in three simple words; World Series Champions.

The World Series run was lead by a lethal combination of starting pitching, a devastating bullpen, and a balanced lineup of veterans with an infusion of youth. Josh Beckett's 20 wins lead a rotation that topped the American League in 2007 and Jonathon Papelbon's 1.85 ERA, .77 WHIP, and 37 saves closed the door whenever called upon.

At the dish, David Ortiz continued to put his stamp on the Red Sox franchise with another dominating year at the plate and Mike Lowell chipped in with 120 RBIs. While J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo struggled through most of their first year in Boston, other newcomers flourished. Dustin Pedroia overcame an early slump to take the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year crown, while fellow rookies Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz dazzled the Fenway faithful down the stretch. Buchholz' season was highlighted by his no hitter at Fenway Park and Ellsbury shined on the biggest of stages in October.

The Red Sox rode a tremendous regular season to their first A.L. East title in twelve seasons before sweeping the Los Angeles Angels in the ALDS. A memorable 3-1 comeback in the ALCS vs. the Cleveland Indians set the stage for a World Series sweep over the Colorado Rockies.

2008 Key Additions: The Red Sox start the 2008 season with 22 of the 25 players from their World Series roster still on the team. Aside from some minor tinkering in the addition of Sean Casey replacing Eric Hinske as a backup infielder and pinch hitter and exchanging back up catchers, the roster remains in tact. The late spring addition of Bartolo Colon could be a low risk/high reward signing should Colon return to form and fill the spot in the rotation lost when Curt Schilling pulled up lame.

2008 Key Losses: None. Outside of Eric Gagne (addition by subtraction), Eric Hinske and Doug Mirabelli, the Red Sox are back to defend their title.

2008 Starting Lineup:
1. Dustin Pedroia 2B
2. Kevin Youkilis 1B
3. David Ortiz DH
4. Manny Ramirez LF
5. Mike Lowell 3B
6. J.D. Drew RF
7. Jason Varitek C
8. Jacoby Ellsbury CF
9. Julio Lugo SS

2008 Starting Rotation: Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield, Clay Buchholz

2008 Closer: Jonathan Papelbon

2008 MVP: Manny Ramirez - Look for Manny Ramirez to have a monster year in a "contract season". Manny's always been a devastating hitter. After a less than "Manny" year in 2007, Ramirez spent the off season at Athletic Performance Inc (API) in Arizona and comes into this season oddly motivated.

The Red Sox will be successful if: It might be a better question to ask, "the Red Sox will /not/ be successful if _____". With so much of the World Series champion team still in tact and in their prime, the Red Sox will be successful. However, success is only measured in terms of a title defense. Aside from unforeseen health issues, the 2008 season hangs in the balance of a pair of young arms; Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz. The Red Sox title defense hopes are inexorably intertwined with the growth and development of the back of the rotation. Should these two falter, the Red Sox staff is not nearly as deep as they would like.

2008 Season Prediction: With a veteran, championship-tested team with a spark of youth keeping them lively, the Red Sox will compete for the A.L. East crown with their rivals, the New York Yankees. A 95+ win season should lead them to accomplish that goal, or at least beat out the runner up in the A.L. Central for the Wild Card and a playoff appearance. With more World Series titles this decade than any other team, there is no reason not to consider the Red Sox the favorites once again in 2008.

Standings Prediction:
1. Boston Red Sox
2. New York Yankees
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Tampa Bay Rays
5. Baltimore Orioles