In part 2 of the 2013 Red Sox Spring Training Preview, we are looking at the starting line-up and the bench options. Although the team is coming off of a last-place finish in 2012, the offense remained one of its strongpoints. Barred by injuries to stars David Ortiz and Will Middlebrroks late in the season, the Red Sox were forced to utilize such players as Mauro Gomez, Scott Podsednik, and Daniel Nava. Going into the 2013 off-season, there were clear issues that needed to be solved: who was going to play first-base? Outfield? And of course, the yearly questions surrounding the shortstop position. Let’s check-out your 2013 Boston Red Sox offense.
Key Off-Season Additions
Mike Napoli
Shane Victorino
Stephen Drew
Jonny Gomes
David Ross
Lyle Overbay
Projected Starting Line-Up
1) Jacoby Ellsbury (OF)
2) Shane Victorino (OF)
3) Dustin Pedroia (2B)
4) David Ortiz (DH)
5) Mike Napoli (1B)
6) Will Middlebrooks (3B)
7) Stephen Drew (SS)
8) Jonny Gomes (OF)
9) Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C)
With the additions of Victorino, Napoli, Drew, and Gomes, the Red Sox have a more fun, deeper and more well-rounded line-up. Although many people believe they overpaid for Victorino, the guy gets on base and has a good personality, which is what the Sox need. As for Stephen Drew – don’t worry Red Sox Nation, he is NOT his brother! Out of the interviews I have seen, it seems like he actually has a personality and is looking forward to running the middle of the infield with Dustin Pedroia. The biggest question marks surround Mike Napoli – what is the deal with his hip and will he be able to stay healthy and contribute? In my mind, that is what will set this Red Sox line-up apart and allow them to go on some serious runs – they need his right-handed bat in the middle of the line-up.
As for the returning crew, David Ortiz seems to be rehabbing well from his Achilles injury after he was playing spectacular last year. Jacoby Ellsbury is in his contract year and will be looking to get paid, so I expect something like a 2011 performance out of him – maybe not as good, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he put up 25 homeruns, 85 RBI, and a solid above .300 average. The guy I am most excited to watch play is Will Middlebrooks. The guy is an all-star in the making and was on his way to the Al Rookie of the Year in 2012 until he was sidelined with a wrist injury. If he could step-up and play like the player we saw last year, this team will definitely surprise some people. This obviously is not the 2004 or 2007 line-up, but besides the question marks surrounding Napoli, it is filled with dependable, hard-nosed players that will surely be playing with chips on their shoulders.
Projected Bench
1) David Ross
2) Lyle Overbay
3) Daniel Nava
4) Pedro Ciriaco
5) Ryan Sweeney
Barring a couple of Spring Training surprises, it is looking like this group of guys will make up the 2013 Red Sox bench. Overall, it is solid – I love the addition of David Ross as a platoon with Salty behind the dish and Ciriaco is another scrappy, hard-nosed player who killed the Yankees last year. Say what you want about the 2013 Red Sox, but they have some serious depth – mix that with some frustration from last year and a new clubhouse synergy and this team is built to surprise some people.
No complaints about the players they’ve added this season. Injuries are a big question in my mind, more than going into most seasons. Everyone likes to say Dustin P. is the heart and soul of this club, but he’s got to hit a little better than his last few seasons if he’s going be in that 3 hole. Victorino is an excellent choice for right field. Get these guys out on the field and let’s see what happens!