2 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

$70 million contract, Drew struggled for most of his first season in Boston, but his post-All Star OPS was about .100 points higher than his pre-All Star numbers. In the second half, he hit .286 with a .379 on-base percentage and a .841 OPS. Most of Varitek's value comes from his catching and leadership skills, but he is still a hard out, getting on base at a .367 clip and hitting 17 home runs in 2007.

Jacoby Ellsbury began 2007 at the double-A level of the minor leagues, but he finished his season as the starting centerfielder for a World Series champion. In 116 at-bats with Boston, he hit .353 and stole nine bases without being caught. He carried his performance into the playoffs, hitting .360 with two more steals. Julio Lugo had a dreadful start to his first year with the Red Sox, hitting just .197 in the first half. He showed improvement as time went on, however, hitting .280 with a .728 OPS in the second half and finishing with 33 stolen bases in 39 attempts.

Without changing their winning formula from a year ago, the Red Sox are in perfect position to repeat their World Series success in 2008. With help on the horizon in the form of minor league pitchers Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson, and Craig Hansen, Boston has both the personnel and the insurance to hold off any and all threats to their title defense. The Red Sox are in strong position to win 100 games and take home their third World Series Championship of the decade.

Learn more about this author, Art Vandelay.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about MLB predictions: 2008 Boston Red Sox?
We want to hear your view. Write now!