The Boston Red Sox look completely different in 2013 as we enter the season opener of this new year in baseball. Let's reminisce on the offseason that was and look at what the Red Sox bring to the table in 2013 along with predictions on how they're expected to do with their set of new players.
Boston is a tough city to play in, we know that. However, the Red Sox made sure they wouldn't tie up any players for a long time as they sought out what they believed were valuable pieces in the market. They acquired outfielder Shane Victorino, first baseman and catcher Mike Napoli, pitcher Ryan Dempster and they traded for closer Joel Hanrahan. They also signed backup catcher David Ross while getting a new manager, John Farrell as Bobby Valentine's time was up in Boston.
Now, the Red Sox aren't boasting a superstar lineup. Dustin Pedroia is easily their best hitter and maybe second on that list is third baseman Will Middlebrooks. Jacoby Ellsbury isn't trustworthy since he can't remain healthy and at 32 years old, who knows what Napoli will bring to the table.
The Red Sox pitching is also not of top notch quality. Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and John Lackey have a lot to prove. Dempster had a winning record while with the Texas Rangers in the second half of the season, but he was hit hard. Felix Doubront has to prove once again he belongs in a big league uniform.
All in all for the Red Sox, as it looks like the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays will be the leaders in that division, they will be battling with the New York Yankees for the last spot in the division. They were in last place last year as they went 69-93. If there is any good news for the Red Sox in 2013 is that they will be healthier than the Yankees and will have a chance to jump out to a quick lead before the Orioles, Jays and Rays really show their colors in 2013.
It would have been more fun to see what would have happened in the A.L. East had the Red Sox and Yankees been healthy and competitive. However, it looks like in 2013 neither team will be in the postseason.
The Red Sox face the Yankees at 1:05 p.m. ET today from Yankee Stadium.
