Yes, I am ready for some baseball. No more WBC and mercifully today was the final spring training game. Soon my questions will start to be answered. Included among them:
Will Youk continue to hit for power?
Will Petey be as mighty as he was last year?
Will Jed really end up being the answer at shortstop?
Can Mikey bounce back from surgery?
Will Jason prove worthy of patrolling that storied Fenway left-field?
(I’m thinking fondly of the Splendid Splinter, Yaz, Jim Ed and even Manny.)
Will this be Ellsbury’s break out year?
Will J.D. stay away from the DL?
Will Tek ever hit like a major leaguer again?
Will Big Papi return to form after an injury plagued 2008?
No surprise, I expect pitching and defense to carry the day(s). Getting healthy (Penny and Smoltz) staying healthy (Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, and Wake) is crucial. Having Buchholz and Bowden at the ready is exciting. The pen looks good on paper but I realize that’s not where games are won. Still I’ll take Paps, Masterson, Okie, Delcarmen, and Lopez. Am anxious to see what Rocco and Saito are able to contribute.
I’d like to give special recognition to Tito, our esteemed manager, and his indefatigable pitching coach, John Farrell. Sending all good wishes to the Olde Town Team for a very successful 2009 season – Go Sox!!!
