| 16 February 2009
Last week Red Sox bloggers from across the Nation answered five questions about the upcoming 2009 season. I was also lucky enough to get a few responses from some of our favorite Boston media members as well.
Nick Cafrado of the Boston Globe, Dan Duggan of the Boston Herald and Ian Browne of MLB.com answered the same five questions we dicussed last week. Read the answers below:
1) What was the best move the Red Sox made this off season? This can include free agent signings, trades, contract extensions or "non-moves" like not overpaying for Teixeira...
Dan Duggan, Boston Herald - This has to be signing Pedroia and Youkilis to extensions. Locking up the right side of the infield for the next four seasons (at least) for less than $82 million combined was a great deal for the Sox.
Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe - Potentially the Rocco Baldelli signing could produce big dividends. If they have indeed found a way to get him on the playing field more, this is one great athlete who was on his way to becoming a top player in baseball. He'll be able to spell J.D. Drew and he might even push him for playing time, and he could fill in as a center-fielder if Jacoby Ellsbury slumps. There were so many times last year where I thought they needed a right-handed bat and now they have it.
Ian Browne, MLB.com - I think the best move was the signing of Brad Penny. Heading into last year, this guy was considered one of the top pitchers in the NL. He had one bad year in which he tried to pitch through pain. Assuming he's healthy again, he could be one of the best bargains in the game at $5 million.
2) Which Free Agent signing will have the most impact in 2009: Smoltz, Penny, Saito, Kotsay, Baldelli?
Dan - Hard to say, as it seems the Sox went with quantity over quality in free agency. With so many low-risk acquisitions, some are due to pay off. I think the prospect of a healthy John Smoltz pitching with something to prove down the stretch is the most intriguing.
Nick - I've stated how much I think of the Baldelli signing, but I think another huge one could be Smoltz. I really believe great teams have players who turn it up a notch when it counts most and Smoltz' incredible post-season record (15-4 I believe) is off the charts. This guy smells wins in big games.
Ian - Penny for the reasons listed above. I think this guy is going to have a huge year and being reunited with Beckett should stoke his competitive fire.
3) Who will improve the most on their 2008 season?
Dan - The Sox need it to be Jacoby Ellsbury. With Coco Crisp in Kansas City, there will be no safety net if Ellsbury struggles. He's dynamic and obviously has talent, but the Sox need Ellsbury to become more consistent offensively if he's going to be a productive leadoff hitter.
Nick - It needs to be Ellsbury. The CF job is his now so now we'll see what he's got and if he can be a consistent player offensively. We know he's a superb base-stealer and tremendous defender. Now he has to prove he can be an effective leadoff man who can avoid long droughts.
Ian - Jacoby Ellsbury. He was very inconsistent and streaky last year. It sounds like he has worked very hard this winter and I think he will make big improvements both from a mental and physical standpoint.
4) Jon Lester filled in for Josh Beckett as the "ace" last season. Who will be the ace of the staff in 2009?
Dan - The luxury the Sox have is that they have three potential aces. If healthy, there's no reason Beckett shouldn't return to 2007 form. Lester was great, but he also logged twice as many innings last season as he did in his first two years combined so it remains to be seen how he'll respond to that type of workload. Daisuke Matsuzaka is the wild card here. As maddening as it can be to watch Matsuzaka nibble through starts, his numbers last season (18-3, 2.90 ERA) were impressive.
Nick - Doesn't really matter which one is considered No. 1. But I will say the Red Sox need to see the Beckett of 2007 and not the one of '06 or '08.
Ian - Beckett. This guy is a fierce competitor. His dropoff last year did not sit well. Josh very much wants to get back to the level he was at in 2007.
5) Early prediction time... Who will win the AL East this year?
Dan - It should be a great race, but the Yankees have to be the favorites entering the season.
Nick - I think the signing of Andy Pettitte has temporarily shifted me over to the Yankees. I reserve the right to change my mind before I make my official picks in late March. I think this is real close. I believe Boston and New York will be in the playoffs.
Ian - The Yankees. The best team money can buy. It will be a great race though and the Red Sox will also make the playoffs. Tampa Bay will come up just short. All three teams will probably finish with between 90-98 wins.
Thanks to Dan, Nick and Ian for taking the time during their busy schedules to chat with us. And thanks to all the Red Sox bloggers that participated last week. I hope it was as fun for you guys as it was for me!
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