2011 Boston Red Sox Spring Preview

In 2010 the Boston Red Sox finished in third place in the American League East, and out of the playoffs. Although Red Sox fans expected more coming into the season, the team can't really be called a disappointment. Boston got hit hard by the injury bug. Key players such as Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Cameron, and Josh Beckett, all missed considerable time due to injury. That led to players such as Ryan Kalish, Darnell McDonald, and Daniel Nava getting significant at bats with the club. Although they did a good job filling in, the Red Sox lineup never was at full strength. The Red Sox front office decided not to stand still and made quite a few changes. Here is what the 2011 Red Sox will be like.

Gone: Boston fans lost one of their favorite players when Mike Lowell announced his retirement at the end of last season. Although he had only 218 at bats last season, he still will be missed. Lowell was always a class act and fans grew to love him in his five short years with the club. All-Star third baseman Adrian Beltre is also gone, signing a free agent deal with the Texas Rangers. His one year in Boston was a giant success, driving in 102 runs and hitting a league leading 49 doubles. Another All-Star, catcher Victor Martinez, also left through free agency, signing with the Detroit Tigers in November. Martinez will probably be the player the Red Sox miss the most. They will now have to rely on the unproven Jarrod Saltalamacchia at catcher.

New arrivals: The Red Sox pulled off the biggest trade of the off season. They acquired first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres, and didn't have to part with anyone from their major league roster. Gonzalez will have a field day peppering ball off the Green Monster. Just a few days later they shocked the baseball world and reeled in one of the top free agents as well, signing Carl Crawford. At 29 years old he is still in his prime and added to Ellsbury gives the Red Sox a double dose of exceptional speed. Although those two deals were the splashiest, the biggest changes to the team were made in the bullpen. Boston added Dan Wheeler, Alfredo Aceves, and Bobby Jenks. If regular closer Jonathan Papelbon struggles at any time during the season, manager Terry Francona could turn to Jenks, who closed games for five years with the Chicago White Sox.

Outlook: There is no doubt that the Red Sox are the favorite in the American League, if not all of baseball. As long as they stay healthy, which after last season is a concern, they will be on top of the A.L. East. Their only weakness might be the starting pitching. Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are a great start, but both John Lackey and Josh Beckett were disappointing last season. Then there is Daisuke Matsuzaka, who seems to let his mind get in the way of his talent. With that said I still predict the Red Sox will win 96 games and the division.

More from this contributor:

2011 Baltimore Orioles Spring Preview

5 Worst Free Agent Signings Ever by the Red Sox

5 Worst Free Agent Signings Ever by the Yankees

Sources:

baseball-reference.com

mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings