Injuries hampered the Boston Red Sox in 2010 as fans were forced to watch in agony as division rivals Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees passed them. But with a key trade and several important free agent signings, Boston fans should be in for another enjoyable season in 2011.
In 2010, Boston suffered several injuries to key players. First baseman Kevin Youkilis suffered a thumb injury but still managed a . 307 batting average with 19 home runs and 62 runs batted in. If Youkilis can stay healthy he is a good bet to hit 25-30 homers and over 100 RBIs like he has done in the past.
Last years third baseman, Adrian Beltre, left as a free agent to sign with the defending American League Champion Texas Rangers. But Boston had traded prospects to the San Diego Padres to acquire slugger and perennial all star Adrian Gonzalez. With Youkilis able to move back to his original position at third base with Gonzalez now playing first, Beltre had become expendable.
Adding another dynamic bat, the Red Sox signed free agent outfielder Carl Crawford away from division rival Tampa Bay. Crawford, with a combination of speed and power, slides into the third slot in the batting order behind Pedroia and Ellsbury and will be on base often in front of the middle order hitters Gonzalez, Youkilis, and David Ortiz.
Injuries were not just limited to the batters last year as the pitchers also battled injuries and subpar seasons. It began with former ace Josh Beckett. After throwing 212 innings and winning 17 games in 2009, Beckett crashed to earth last season as injuries limited him to just 6 wins and 128 innings. A return to form is key to the teams hopes in 2011.
After coming over as a free agent from the Angels where he went 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 2009, starter John Lackey had a disappointing 2010 season. Lackey won 14 games (but lost 11) but his ERA ballooned to 4.40 and his hits allowed and walks were well above his career average numbers. Lackey has room to improve in 2011, though he did throw 215 innings in 33 starts last year.
Jenks will pair with Daniel Bard to give the Sox two hard throwing set up men to closer Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon is a premier closer, averaging 38 saves over the past three seasons. Wheeler will hold leads or keep games close, allowing the potent Red Sox lineup to come from behind if they trail early in the game.
With healthier years out of Pedroia, Ellsbury, Youkilis and Beckett, as well as improvements from Matsuzaka and Lackey, the Boston Red Sox should have plenty of fire power to out duel their rivals like the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. The Rays seem to be especially depleted having lost most of their bullpen via free agency and after losing Crawford as well as first baseman Carlos Pena. All of this should position the Sox for a long post season run, and most baseball insiders envision a Fall Classic that could feature the Red Sox versus the Philadelphia Phillies.
Author Resource:
Bobbie Barton is a fitness trainer She likes SportsFanTreasures.com and recommends you check out their info on Washington Nationals Watch , San Francisco Giants Watch and Minnesota Twins Bedding
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