As anyone who's ever read this blog, met me, or stood within 20 feet of me knows, I'm a die-hard Bosox fan. So, because I'll be writing about the Sox disproportionally this season, I'll keep this review to an absolute minimum. God knows that the Sox are covered ad nauseum anyway, so you know the basics about the team:1) Manny Ramirez is certifiably crazy and is just about capable of anything, but he'll hit 35 homers and knock in 120 runs. Seriously, at this point he could take left field in only a loin cloth and fuzzy slippers, and no one would be surprised.
2) Curt Schilling talks too much, but Dan Shaughnessy's attacks on him are ridiculous. 38 Pitches is actually a very insightful blog for anyone who wants to learn more about all things baseball. Shaughnessy is still bitter at Schilling for ending the so-called "Curse of the Bambino," which is a term that he popularized, and in turn made him a lot of money.
3) The Sox and Yanks will still be bitter rivals this year, and that rivalry will still be fun to Sox and Yanks fans. As for fans of the other 28 teams...
4) So there's this new Japanese pitcher on the roster - that's right - Hideki Okajima! Oh, there may be this other guy - Dice something.
5) The Sox will be in the playoff hunt this year. How far do they go? Good question. Here's what to expect from the Sox this year:
Biggest reason for hope: Even without closer-turned-starter-turned-closer Jonathan Papelbon, the starting rotation of Schilling, Josh Beckett, Dice-K, and Tim Wakefield may be the best in baseball. For now, Julian "America's Top Model" Tavarez holds down the fifth spot, but in all likelihood will be replaced eventually by Jon Lester (the cancer survivor is the feel good story of spring training), or perhaps by the Indecisive One, who currently sits in his Katy, Texas compound counting money and making Hamlet look like George W. Bush. The team's OPS has slipped every year since 2004, but as long as Big Papi and Manny bat 3-4, you have a good foundation. Newly acquired Julio Lugo should provide stability at the top of the lineup since the fallen Jesus left town, and J.D. Drew should thrive in the #5 slot so long as he hasn't broken his femur by the time this entry is posted.
Biggest potential nightmare: Even with closer-turned-starter-turned-closer Papelbon, the bullpen is still shakier than Alberto Gonzales's memory. Mike Timlin is 41 and just off the DL. Brendan Donnelly probably is the main seup man, but after that, do you trust Joel Piniero, J.C. Romero, or Kyle Snyder with a lead? Me neither. And what if the injury bug strikes again? Drew knows the DL like Drew Rosenhaus knows the devil.
Player to watch: Perhaps Matsuzaka? Actually, I'm more interested in Beckett. After last year's deal in which the Sox gave up Anibel Sanchez (ouch) and Hanley Ramirez (double ouch) to get him, Beckett was less than effective. He won 16 games but had an unsightly 5.01 ERA. He seemed afraid to throw his devastating curveball (perhaps because of his previous blister problems), and batters were able to feast off of his straight fastballs to the tune of 36 home runs allowed.
Why do we still have to watch this player?: Romero. Oh wait, he's left-handed and is still relatively young at 30. Mark him down for at least 10 more mediocre-to-poor seasons.
Telling statistic: Manny has hit at least 30 home runs and knocked in 100 RBI in the past 9 seasons. He officially may be the most productive certifiably insane player in baseball history, passing Albert Belle a few years back. By the way, Belle and Ramirez used to be teammates in Cleveland. What could they possibly have talked about? Perhaps Belle could barter with Manny and trade his grill for a GPS?
Interesting fact signifying nothing: Dice-K throws at least 7 different pitches for strikes. I haven't seen this many funky angles since I stole that Kama Sutra book from the library when I was 12.
Projected record & finish: 95-67, 2nd Place, AL East, lose in ALDS
Prediction that won't come true but should: Manny plays an entire game naked, and yet still goes 4 for 5 with 2 home runs. He isn't disciplined afterwards.
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