They are loaded. The Boston Red Sox are the team to beat.
We all know the reasons — youth, experience, power, speed, defense and, of course, pitching.
But there is the hangover, which is inevitable in pro sports in the 21st century. It takes a lot of energy to win a championship, as well as keeping away from the injury bug.
The other issue is several teams, including the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels, who are better on paper than they were in 2007. We could add the Toronto Blue Jays, who annually get whacked by injuries, and Seattle Mariners, who added a few key parts, including a Cy Young candidate pitcher Eric Bedard.
The thing is the Sox had several things not go their way for much of last season, including three slumping veterans (Julio Lugo, J.D. Drew and Coco Crisp) as well as subpar, if we can call it that, seasons from MVP candidates David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.
Ex-Sox first baseman Kevin Millar told me, when the Sox were playing the Indians in the ALCS, the difference between the Red Sox and Yankees was one thing: Josh Beckett.
Is Beckett the key?
Getting to October might be tougher than winning in October, at least it looked that way last season.
What do you feel is the key or keys for the Red Sox doing it all over again?
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John
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Matt H.
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Bill Burt
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jim-red sox nation west
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Bill Burt
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jim-red sox nation west
About Me
Eagle-Tribune Executive Sports Editor Bill Burt has been synonymous with the local and Boston sports scene for the past 24 years.
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