SEAN CASEY
"The Mayor" is now a free agent. Casey is an awesome clubhouse guy, but the Red Sox seemed to lose faith in him as the season went on. Eventually, Mark Kotsay took his spot on the depth chart. I think a lot of it had to do with Casey's lack of power (0 HRs), and below average fielding ability. Casey showed he can still hit for average (.381), and I think someone team would love to pick him up, just don't expect it to be the Red Sox.
KEVIN CASH
Cash is under the Sox control till 2011, and caught "The Wake" well in the field this year. Still, Cash gave little to no offense this year. I think he could be back, but a lot of that might depend on what the Sox decide to do with Varitek. My theory is no matter what Cash will be back, as long as Wake is on the team.
ALEX CORA
Cora is a free agent, and he is another player that might be looking for a new team next year. Cora is still good in the field, and does a lot of the small things for the team (bunts, sac flies, ect). The question will be what the Sox decide to do at SS. Boston would love to get rid of Lugo, but if they can't then there will be a lack of roster space with Lowrie and Lugo already on the team. Basically, if Lugo is still on the team, there is very little chance Cora will be back.
MARK KOTSAY
Its weird putting him as an infielder, but he played very well in the postseason at first. He is a free agent, but I would like to see him back next year. As long as he doesn't mind being a backup in right field and first base, the Sox could bring him back. Lowell and J.D. need a lot of days off, so he will get plenty of at bats. Most likely Kotsay is going to want to play everyday, so I think he will be gone. Yea, the Sox are going to have some holes to fill.
MIKE LOWELL
Mikey Lowell is signed through 2010 for about 12.5 million a year. He might have the most heart on this team. He showed he will try to battle through any injury to be able to play. Still, the problem is that he is getting old, and the Sox are going to have to make sure that have someone around that can eat up some at bats. I think he will be more productive next year, but the Sox have to be happy that they have someone like Youk that can shift over to 3rd when needed.
JED LOWRIE
Under the Sox control till 2014. He showed he can play in the big leagues. I think he is going to be starting next season, but the Lugo question still hangs over their heads. Lowrie is a solid hitter, that plays a lot of Pedroia. I think in time he could be a lot like Pedroia actually, but only time will tell if he gets the opportunity.
JULIO LUGO
Signed through 2010 with an option for 2011 for about 9 million per season. Lugo sucks, and the Sox once again find themselves in a position where they might have to eat his contract in any trade that they try. Lowire is 10 times the shortstop that Lugo is, and it seems like Lugo has even lost the ability to be a solid defensive replacement. I want him off the team so bad. There is not a single thing I like about him.
DAVID ORTIZ
Big Papi is signed through 2010, with a club option for 2011. He only makes 12.5 million a year, which is a steal if you look around the league. Ortiz struggled with injuries for the better part of this year, but hopefully his wrist will be better before next season. Still, the Sox can't bank on this guy being around forever. His knees are on borrowed time, so the Sox are going to need the bottom of the order to play a lot better. I still think Ortiz will be a solid 30 HR 100 RBI guy for the next season or two, after that I think you may be asking too much.
DUSTIN PEDROIA
The Sox have this guy tied up till 2012, but I think he is going to get a long term deal before the All-Star break of this coming season. I don't understand why he is so good, but he gets it done. Pedroia may even be the MVP for the AL this year, and the Sox have to be happy that they have a very productive second basemen for as long as they want him around (how many teams can say that?).
JASON VARITEK
The captain is a free agent, and most people are saying that he will be gone, but I'm not so sure. The players on the team love this guy, and there is a reason why the put the "C" on his chest (I hate it). I really hope he isn't back, but there is still something in the back of my mind that says he will get a 1 year deal. He calls a great game, but his offense has gotten to the point that he is an automatic out, and the Sox do not have the kind of lineup that can overcome something like that.
KEVIN YOUKILIS
Youk is under the Sox control till 2010. Most people don't remember, but the Sox actually approached Youk about a contract extension before last season. He turned it down, and said ti was way to low, then went out and had an awesome season. The season was so good that he may even be in the running for MVP with Pedroia. Youk works hard everyday, he gets on base, and plays great defense. He even showed he can hit for power this year. Not to mention the fact that he can also play first. There is a good chance he will also be getting a long term deal before next season ends.
Offseason Previews done:
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-BMack
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