I will be breaking down position by position how the Sox are stacking up this year. First we will take a look at the infield.
1st Base- Obviously, this is very will covered. Last year Kevin Youkilis had a career year, finishing 3rd in the MVP race. He is more then solid with the glove and will have to have an even stronger year at the plate, due to the face that he will be hitting behind Ortiz and will need to give him some protection in the lineup. As far as a back up goes, this year look for Brad Wilkerson to get some playing time when Youk or Mike Lowell needs a day off.
2nd Base- When you have the reigning MVP at the helm, then there is nothing to complain about. Dustin Pedroia was nothing short (no pun intended),of amazing last year, and no doubt was a key piece of holding last years team together. No problems here.
3rd Base- Mike Lowell is going to have a lot to prove this year, coming off of nagging hip surgery during the off season. Expect Youk to move over to 3ed a lot this season to give Mike some day's off. I smell a big mid-season trade perhaps?
Shortstop- The most highly contested roster spot on the team this spring has to be shortstop. While myself and the rest of Red Sox nation would love to go with Jed Lowrie a shot, The organization had to go with the $10 million dollar man, Julio Lugo. Lugo went down half-way though spring training with a tare in his knee, so for the time being the job is Lowrie's. But, as soon as Lugo is healed, he will get the majority of the playing time.
Catcher- With all of the offseason drama done with Jason Varitek, He will again assume his normal catching/captain duties. Look for Tek to have a much better year at the plate this season, he was runing on fumes last year and combined with the fact that he will get more time off this year. The back-up situation has been strange. For the 2nd time, the Sox brought in Josh Bard, only to send him packing again. Look for George Kottaras to fill in. Don't be shocked if by the end of spring traning the sox pull the trigger on a deal for a new back up.
DH- Another big question this spring is will David Ortiz be David Ortiz again? After the alling wrist has healed, Ortiz looks to get his swing and power back. It will be intresting to see how this works out. If Youk can give Ortiz some pertection, it will take some of the heat off him, and let his swing come back.
