Boston Red Sox

Losses: OF Jason Bay, SS Alex Gonzales, 1B Adam Laroche, UT Mark Kotsay, OF Rocco Baldelli, 1B Casey Kotchman

Gains: 3B Adrian Beltre, OF Mike Cameron, IF Marco Scutaro, P John Lackey, OF Jeremy Hermida, UT Bill Hall, P Boof Bonser, IF Nomar Garciaparra's Retirement

Analysis: It's been a widely accepted thought that the Red Sox made some sacrifices in their line-up this winter, in favor of improvements on defense and a very sturdy pitching staff. This thought is not too far out of line. The Sox definitely improve their defense at third base. Mike Lowell was a great thirdbaseman when he was younger, but his range has deteriorated significantly. Adrian Beltre is still active at third and is a perennial Bronze Arm candidate (fictitious award). Marco Scutaro is a big improvement on Jed Lowrie defensively, though he put together a solid year at the plate for the Jays last season. The Sox lose Jason Bay, which is where the line-up problems are noted to come from, but they replace him in left field by moving Jacoby Ellsbury there and putting Mike Cameron, arguably the best defensive centerfielder of the post-griffey generation (arguments for Torii Hunter and Andrew Jones). Cameron is getting older, but still put up very good metrics last year in center. Hermida comes in as a good 4th OF option, likewise with Hall as an extra infielder. And the Sox bring in John Lackey to strengthen an already solid rotation. The losses, outside of Bay, were just rentals from last season. Looks like a good winter for Boston (Though not a good March, as apparently it is never going to stop raining.)

More moves: They are still trying to move Mike Lowell. I'm sure they'll come up with something.

2010 Thoughts: I had mentioned thoughts of line-up deficiency. I suppose you could say that, but I don't necessarily think it is a problem moreso than it was last season. The Sox bring in Beltre's bat to replace whoever they would have been playing at 1st, 3rd or C last season (with Kevin Youkilis and Victor Martinez filling the other two positions). And they bring in Mike Cameron to replace Jason Bay. (Some numbers: Bay 2008 .286/31/101 2009 .267/36/119 Cameron 2008 .243/25/70 (120 games) 2009 .250/24/70) The Sox are losing some average, but Cameron puts up solid OBP (as did Jason Bay). The Sox also bring in Marco Scutaro off 2009 .282/12/60. I think the line-up will be right around where it was last season, if Big Papi doesn't continue to decline. (and that's before they make a move at the trading deadline) The rotations is Josh Beckett, John Lester, John Lackey, Clay Bucholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield. The Sox go 6 deep in their rotation. Their top 3 is as good as anyone in the league. There is no day off for opposing hitters. The bullpen is fine. Hideki Okajima has a chance to prove himself this year after having an up and down year last season. The Red Sox neeed someone to emerge in the 8th inning role. That role is something they've been playing with for a few season (Okajima, acquisitions of Wagner, Gagne, etc.). If someone can assume that positions (maybe Daniel Bard), then the pitching could carry this team to some success.

Predictions: I'm only so sorry to say that the Yankees are just too good. 2nd place, likely a wild card.

-APT