The past couple of days we have been taking a look at the 2008 Red Sox (as it stands today). For each player there will be good things to look forward to, and bad things that we need to question for each player.
Manny Ramirez:
Good: Had a fantastic post-season. He is coming into his "contract" year, and wants the Red Sox to pick up his 20-mil option for 2009. According to the Boston Herald has been working out hard all off-season (I know I can't picture that either). One of the most dangerous hitters in Sox history.
Bad: His power numbers have been declining in recent years, also his age needs to start coming into question (36 when the season starts).
J.D. Drew:
Good: Had not a terrible year like 2007 since 2002. His defense is still very solid, and has underrated speed.
Bad: We could go on and on with this. He look disinterested in playing baseball. He is overpaid (14 mil), and will have to come out strong to win over the Sox faithful.
Coco Crisp:
Good: His defense is outstanding. He gets to more balls than probably any other CF in the AL. Has good speed, and can steal key bases.
Bad: He has no arm. His hitting has never been what everyone was hoping for when he came from the Indians. The biggest question will be whether or not he will be a Red Sox in 2008.
Jacoby Ellsbury:
Good: Had a fantastic end of the year with the Red Sox, and was able to take over for the struggling Coco. Great speed, and plays a solid CF.
Bad: He has not played a full season and the expectations are so high that it will be hard to live up to them. If Coco is traded this could be even more pressure for the young stud outfielder.
David Ortiz:
Good: What is there to say, he has been the best hitter on the Red Sox for a couple years now. Great clubhouse guy, who has a flair for the dramatic.
Bad. Injuries are always a concern, and his speed is so bad that he can be a liability on the bases.
Alex Cora:
Good: Solid defender that can play a number of positions. Good utility backup infielder.
Bad: He is nothing special, and can only be a fill in. His OBP, and average were nothing to be excited about.
Sean Casey:
Good: Solid pickup for the Sox, that could be used to fill in for Youk, or if you wanted to move Youk over to 3rd and give Lowell a night off. Can hit for average (296 last season)
Bad: Does not have the power that he once showed with the Reds, will the lack of at bats hurt his average/confidence?
Doug Mirabelli:
Good: Only person in the world that can catch Wake's knuckleball. Fan favorite (especially DP).
Bad: Does not show the power that made him dangerous a couple years ago (you may laugh but at one point had more HRs per at bat than McGuire). His average has also been terrible (.228 in 2005, .193 in 2006, .202 in 2007).
-BMack
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