| Andrew Perna. 1st April, 2009 - 3:06 pm
 Here at RealGM our heart beats thanks to the thousands upon thousands of posters that frequent our forums on a daily basis. With the MLB season just days away, what better time than now to check in with the people who care about baseball even more than some of the players on the diamond?
2008 Record: 95-67
Division Standing: 2nd (Wild Card)
Run Differential: +151
The Answers
1. How would you rate the team’s offseason thus far?
greenbeans: It hinged on Teixeira signing, so now it's all about payroll flexibility. Wanna ditch your overpriced players in these bad economic times? Give Theo a ring.
sunshinekids99: This offseason has been a huge risk/reward. The signings of John Smoltz, Brad Penny, Rocco Baldelli, and Takashi Saito have really showed that. I'm a huge fan of this offseason though. I think the Red Sox took the gamble on the right players.
Celtics_Champs: The re-signings of Pedroia and Youkilis were huge. I give them an A-.
Ghost of the Garden: Pretty good considering the circumstances with the economy. We made some smart one-year deals that are low risk, high reward. Although Teixeira may have been nice, I'm glad we didn't break the bank for a guy like Sabathia who obviously has something against pitching in October.
NES 247: Besides the whole Teixeira situation, I'm pretty happy with the offseason. I can live with Jason Varitek for another offseason. We failed to get a big bat, but we bolstered our bullpen significantly and added depth to the rotation. We have guys who are low risk/high reward, but we won't rely on them heavily. Even if they fail we have organizational depth to help out.
2. What move do you wish the team made? (i.e. signing, trade)
greenbeans: Teixeira, although it would have almost been impossible. If we offered $190 million, the Yankees would have done $200 million, and so on.
sunshinekids99: I heard rumors of Prince Fielder earlier in the offseason, but I don't know how likely it was that he would of been dealt. If there was a chance, I would have liked to see them make a better push.
Celtics_Champs: Out of all the juicy names, I was sold on Fielder. I would have loved to see Theo make a deal for him.
Ghost of the Garden: Trading Julio Lugo. He's had his chance. Teixeira would have been nice to sign, but I understand it's hard to lock a guy up for a contract like that in this economy.
NES 247: It’s got to be Teixeira, but in the end he didn’t want to come here anyway. It’s all water under the bridge.
3. Who do you feel will have a breakout season?
greenbeans: It will be Jason Bay.
sunshinekids99: Jacoby Ellsbury will have a breakout season. He had his moments last year, but at the end of the season he lost his job basically to Coco Crisp. Ellsbury really has a chance to step up this season. He's still very young and has great speed.
Celtics_Champs: I like Bay here. I believe he can get over 35 homer if he stays healthy this year, and the crowd chant ‘Manny Who?’ Runner-Up: Justin Masterson
Ghost of the Garden: Ellsbury. He has too many tools not to post .297, 10 homers, 55 RBIs and 60 steals.
NES 247: I really don't know, we don't have too many young guys that can breakout. I'll say Ellsbury.
4. Who do you see regressing after a strong 2008?
greenbeans: Jon Lester, can he really do that again?
sunshinekids99: Ramon Ramirez. I know he wasn't with the team last year, but I'm not sure he can provide what he gave the Royals last season. He was pretty dominant last year, but he's not pitching in front of nobody anymore. Some guys just can't handle the pressure in Boston.
Celtics_Champs: Tough one. I am going to say Papelbon. Maybe he will look ahead to his big contract, and might struggle.
Ghost of the Garden: I wouldn't say he had a strong 2008, but I really am not expecting a damn thing out of Mike Lowell this season. I have a feeling he'll be on the DL by July.
NES 247: Kevin Youkilis, there is no way he puts up those numbers again. He reached his peak power numbers last year.
5. What is the best case scenario for the club in 2009?
greenbeans: Every pitcher stays healthy and is productive, which would give us a simply DOMINANT staff.
sunshinekids99: If the Sox can keep their pitching healthy, they will be there in the end. They really have a chance to have a dominant pitching staff. Best case this team wins the World Series.
Celtics_Champs: World Series.
Ghost of the Garden: Winning the World Series is definitely be within the reason.
NES 247: World Series.
6. What is the worst case scenario for the club in 2009?
greenbeans: David Ortiz and Mike Lowell don't improve, forcing our hand to make a move for a prominent offensive player.
sunshinekids99: Smoltz, Saito, and Penny may prove to not be able to stay healthy. Who knows how much Baldelli can play, and with Lowell and Ortiz coming off injuries who knows how they will return. Worst case this team finishes third place in a very tough AL East.
Celtics_Champs: Injuries, clubhouse fights and a third place finish.
Ghost of the Garden: Third place. Lowell and Drew battle injuries.
NES 247: No postseason.
Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM’s Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com |
