What is Sox key or keys to repeating?
Mar 24th, 2008 by Bill Burt
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?
6 reader comments to “What is Sox key or keys to repeating?”
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1John said:
The number 4 & 5th starter will be key. Remember early on last year the performance of Julian. He kept them in a lot of games last year and was a solid 5th starter. Getting production from 4&5th this year will be key.
Bill, need a Joe Fish Night soon…..
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2Matt H. said:
I agree with John on all counts. Tavarez really exceeded my expectations last year as much as one could from the 5th spot. What still amazes me is that we had guys struggle- Drew, Crisp, Lugo and “struggle” like Ortiz and yet we were in 1st place from tape-to-tape and won it all.
I think the Lugo and Drew will have much better seasons this year. A healthy Ortiz will be a boost, too. I’m keeping tempered expectations for Buchholz and to some degree Lester. I really hope those pitch counts can be kept lower.
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4jim-red sox nation west said:
Im a little more worried about the pitching than you guys. It looks great on paper but the reality is schilling is already out, Beckett is hurt and we havent even started yet, Bucholz has been getting rocked early, Wakefield doesnt have Mirabelli anymore and we all know what happened when he went to the Padres for that short time. Teams were scoring runs against Wake without even hitting the ball. Lets hope Dice K is better with a year under his belt and Beckett doesnt have a nagging back! GO SOX!!
Bill, what do you think the B’s chances are of making the playoffs? Is every game a huge struggle for them or is it me? They have good defense and no offense. Other than beating Ottawa a month ago 4-0, i cant remember the last time they outscored their opponent by more than 2 goals. -
6jim-red sox nation west said:
Hey Bill,
I think the B’s read your blog…above.
