Spring Training is About to Begin

Spring Training for the Boston Red Sox is about to begin. They will first play a few split squad matches against nearby college teams on Saturday. Then on Sunday, the Grapefruit league begins and so do the games for the mayoral cup. The mayoral cup is a few games against the Twin, who they share their spring training town with. After all the Red Sox vs. Twins games, the mayor awards the winning team. On Sunday against the Twins, Josh Beckett will be starting for a few innings. On Monday vs the Twins again, Daisuke Matsuzaka ( Dice-K) will be pitching for the Red Sox. Don't expect to see too many innings from them and don't expect to see all of the position players as they will take it easy to start Spring Training.

Big Expectations for Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford

With spring training drills underway, many people have big expectations for the highly regarded  Red Sox newcomers. Adrian Gonzalez came to the Red Sox in a deal for prospects Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo, Reymond Fuentes, and a player to be named lated. The Red Sox have tried to acquire Adrian Gonzalez since the 2008 season trade deadline due to the fact that he is a great all around player. He has power, average, defense and the Red Sox have the ability to put him at first base, due to the versatility of Kevin Youkilis. Last year, Adrian Gonzalez had 31 homers and 101 RBIS and hit a good average of .298. This was all  while he was in need of shoulder surgery. Also that was with half of his games played at spacious Petco Park. Now with a repaired shoulder and being in Fenway Park, Adrian Gonzalez could hit many more homers thanks to his opposite field stroke which is perfect for the Green Monster in Fenway. Carl Crawford was acquired very swiftly and suddenly by the Red Sox. He was expected to go to the Angels but instead came to Boston with a large contract for 7 yrs/$142M. He is very important to the Red Sox due to his speed, athleticism, contact, and defense. Not many balls will hit the ground in left center with speedy Ellsbury and Carl Crawford taking center and left field. Also, he along with Ellsbury will drive pitchers crazy as they have both stolen more than 50 bases in one season. Think about this, if either he or Ellsbury gets a hit and steals second on the next pitch, then all they need is a hit and they will score. With these two additions to an already good team, the Red Sox have high expectations for this upcoming season.

Projected 2011 Season Batting Lineup and Pitching Rotation

Batting Lineup

1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF 6

2. Dustin Pedroia 2B 15

3. Carl Crawford LF 13

4 Adrian Gonzalez 1B 28

5. Kevin Youkilis 3B 20

6.David Ortiz DH 34

7. J.D. Drew RF 7

8. Jarrod Saltalamachia C 39

9. Marco Scutaro SS 16

Pitching Rotation

1. Jon Lester L

2. Clay Buchholz R

3.Josh Beckett R

4. John Lackey R

5. Daisuke Matsuzaka R