2008 Boston Red Sox Baseball Preview

The Boston Red Sox became the first baseball team in the 21st century to win two championships. Finishing 96- 66, they had a tough time with Cleveland in the playoffs, going to 1- 3 in the series before winning three straight and going on to sweep the Rockies in the series.

The Red Sox possess the best pitching staff in the Majors—starters, middle relief, set up and closer are all tops. Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27 ERA, 194 SO) was impressive in the regular season and even more impressive in the post-season. Second starter Daisuke Matsuzaka (15- 12, 4.40 ERA, 201 SO), who has a trunk load of pitches, had a good first year in the Majors and should be stronger this year. Vet Curt Schilling (9-8, 3.87 ERA, 101 SO) has injury concerns, while knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (17-12, 4.76 ERA, 110 SO) comes off of his best season ever. Lefty Jon Lester (4-0, 4.57 ERA, 50 SO) could be the best fifth starter around. Closer Johnathan Papelbon (1-3, 1.85 ERA, 37 SV, 84 SO, .146 BAA) is a massive force and Hideki Okajima (3-2, 2.22 ERA, 5 SV, 63 SO, .202 BAA) is the ultimate set up man.

For the Sox, it’s not just about hitting, it’s about OB%. The team was second in the AL in that category. Hitters include DH David Ortiz (.322 AVG, 35 HR, 117 RBI) , LF Manny Ramirez (.296 AVG, 20 HR, 88 RBI), 3B Mike Lowell (.324 AVG, 21 HR, 120 RBI), 2B Dustin Pedroia (.317 AVG, 8 HR, 50 RBI) and CF Jacoby Ellsbury (.353 AVG, 3 HR, 18 RBI). The entire team brings it to the plate every game.

Captain and catcher Jason Varitek calls one of the best games around. The Sox possess a solid infield that includes Gold Glove first baseman Youkilis and the amazing Lowell at third. In center, Ellsbury is a huge upgrade.

GM Theo Epstein and manager Tito Franco are two of the best. The team returns pretty much intact and first-place in the AL East and another trip to the series look to be in their future. Then again, it is a very long season and a lot can happen.

Read more on the Red Sox other AL East division opponents, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

For more info on the Red Sox check out the MLB official page for Boston baseball.