With a few days in between games, I’m going to take some time to post thoughts on what I think the keys to the upcoming season are.  Planning on doing this by breaking down a few different aspects of the team: the everyday lineup, starting pitching, relief pitching, and defense.  Let’s get this started by thinking about the Red Sox starting lineup and what will make it shine.

Key for the 2008 Red Sox lineup: JD Drew

I’ve already mentioned how I think Manny is primed for greatness.   And I think we can all feel pretty confident that Papi will come through with his typical outstanding season.  However, its fair to say that Mike Lowell probably won’t bat .320 again.  Nor can we be sure that Dustin Pedroia is anything more than a guy that will average around .290 year to year.  Furthermore, I think that we should just assume that any offense from Varitek at this point is a bonus to all the other critical and non-measurable elements he provides on this team.

Which brings us back to Mr. Drew.  In year two of his 5 year deal, he simply MUST prove that he is not going to hit .260 while robbing sox ownership for $13 million every year.  Sure, Manny looks like he’s ready to knock in 150 runs this year, but the only that happens is if JD Drew gets that slugging percentage up.  Way up. 

Quite honestly, Drew looked must comfortable during the regular season when he was batting leadoff.  When he didn’t have to worry about being a slugger and just be a contact hitter.  Sorry, JD.  Sox don’t need you to be a singles hitter.  We need you to provide protection to Manny by being the guy who hits around .310 with about 20 homers and 35-40 doubles.  Do that and Manny wins the MVP…maybe even buys you some pimped out Cadillac as a thank you gift. 

By the way…I’m willing to give Drew some benefit of the doubt for last year.  After all, the guy’s young son spent a good part of last summer in a full body cast.  No way can living with that on your mind be easy.  I give him props for never beating the fans and media over the head with it as an excuse for his performance.

This is a perfect time to reminisce about his grand slam in the playoffs last year.  But instead, here’s a picture of him hitting it.

Other lineup thoughts

- Crundy pointed out in a comment the other day that Youk should be batting second, not Pedroia (with Ellsbury leading off).  Have to admit, that more I think about it, the more I agree.  It was Crundy who made me realize that Pedroia probably isn’t going to be .320 hitter every year.  Youk can do a lot of things in that second spot.  Hit to contact, get a walk, even take one on the wrist.

- I have a feeling Varitek is only going to bat around .235 this year.  I hope I’m wrong

- I wish I had a sense for what Julio Lugo is really capable of offensively. 

- I think Sean Casey will see plenty of playing time.  Probably 3 games a week until August.  It was a great pickup for the sox and when he plays, the drop off from not having Youk or Lowell in the lineup that day will be smaller than you think.