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The Boston Red Sox are baseball's best team. From 2004 to 2007, they won two, World Series. Last year, they committed the least errors of any major league team ever assembled. They also allowed the fewest unearned runs in baseball. Unearned runs are scores connected to committing errors in the infield, outfield or both. The team has strength defensively and offensively.

Prennial, MVP (Most Valuable Player) candidates, Mike Lowell, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez anchored a lineup comprised of blazing speed at top, tremendous in middle and discipline at the end. Shorstop, Dustin Pedroia and left fielder, Jacoby Ellsbury struck fear in opposing pitchers and defenses. Last year, they combined hit .325 with 10+ homeruns and over 60 stolen bases. Lowell, Ramirez and Ortiz were baseball's most devestating 3,4 and 5 hitters. They hit over 110 homeruns and drove in 360 runs. The hitter who occupy six, seven, eight and nine aren't too shabby either. Prennial, .300 hitter, Kevin Youkilis, center field whiz, Coco Crisp, shorstop extraordinare, Julio Lugo and the team's all-star catcher and captain, Jason Varitek added punch toward the bottom half.

If the defense and offense weren't enough, the Red Sox smothered opponents with a fierce, starting rotation. The $100 million-dollar, Japanese import, Daiske Matsusaka overpowered opposing lineups with high-speed and five, different breaking balls. CY Young award winner, Josh Beckett won 21 games and had his best statistical year. Beckett also reigned in the postseason again. He and Atlanta Braves pitcher, John Smoltz have the lowest ERA (earned run average) in playoff games. Two more budding superstars, Clay Bucholtz and Jon Lester round out the Red Sox starters. In his first start, Bucholtz threw a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles. Management sent him to Triple A and put Curt Schilling in his spot. However, Schilling's arm injury put on the 60-day disabled list. Bucholtz has no one competing for his spot. As with Lester, he came back from cancer surgery stronger than ever. His 90-plus fastball and ridiculous curve baffled hitters once again. His display of mental toughness inspired the team as a whole. middle relievers, Mike Timlin, Julian Tavarez, Manny DeLecarmen and J.C. Romero saved the starters who struggled. Left-hand, set-up man, Hideki Okijima hammered down any resistance. And then, Jonathan Papelborn sent Red Sox fans home very happy.

Boston has firm control of the AL East. Since 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays started fast, and then finished slow. Baltimore is faced with another, rebuilding year. The New York Yankees dropped their best chance at a postseason, by saying goodbye to Joe Torre.

From top to bottom, Boston has no weaknesses. Manager, Terry Francona won't let them get complacent. He maintained his players' edge and hunger. They're be around in late September. I have a message for Red Sox's next opponents.

When you're facing an team with speed, strength, patience and leadership, you're facing a World Series contender.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
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