Note: This is the first in year long series of posts on the 2009 Red Sox season.  I’ll be taking a look at the team’s progress in 20 game increments throughout the year.

After 20 games:

13 wins
7 losses
1 game out of first

After a 2-6 start out of the gate, the Sox went on an 11 game winning streak that included an impressive sweep of the Yankees at Fenway.  Early on, we could be concerned that the Sox aren’t going to be able to hit good pitching this year.  But the 3 Yankees series where the Sox beat up on A.J. Burnett and Andy Petitte should make us feel better about that.  What we should be worried about right now is if the Sox are a team that can only be dominant at home. 

The good stuff

Kevin Youklis is absolutely The Man in the Sox lineup.  Not only is he the Sox MVP so far, he might be the MVP of the entire league.  He’s filling up the box score every night. 

Jason Bay has us forgetting about Manny Ramirez.  We’re also beginning to find out that he’s clutch.

Mike Lowell is looking like the old Mike Lowell.  He seems to be improving with every game.

The bullpen is definitely the strength of the team.  Everyone is contributing and pitching well.  Even guys named Hunter Jones. 

Justin Masterson may pitch so well as a starter that the sox will have to leave him in there.

Rocco Baldelli actually looks like a good pickup.  When given a chance, he’s contributing.  His current DL stint seems more precautionary than anything else.

George Kottras can handle Wakefield.

And speaking of Wakefield, who actually thought he would be the Sox most effective starter at this point.

Nick Green continues to make Lugo expendable.

Varitek’s average isn’t so great, but he is hitting for power and has a respectable OBP.  At least he’s not the guaranteed strikeout he was last year. 

The bad stuff

Despite the bullpen being lights out, Papelbon is not looking so dominant.  He may have to make some big adjustments because he’s not getting the fastball by anyone.  It would not surprise me to see him do a DL stint that lasted for a month.

Brad Penny isn’t exactly working out.  He’s definitely keeping a spot warm for John Smoltz right now. 

Dice-K – will we get anything from him this year?  It’s entirely possible that the answer is no.  Meaning Masterson will stay in the rotation.

Ortiz – no home runs yet.  Yikes.

Javier Lopez’s roster spot is hanging on by a thread.  He just can’t seem to throw enough strikes.

The front of the rotation (Beckett, Lester) shows glimpses of greatness but consistency isn’t quite there.

Julio Lugo is back.  Even after one game, he looks scared that the ball is going to find him in the field.

What we still don’t know about

What will we get out of David Ortiz this year?

Ellsbury is showing signs of being an impact player, though his on base percentage has a ways to go be what is desired for lead off hitter.  Though he’s trending upward, thoughts of tinkering with the top of the lineup have to be going through Francona’s head.

If Masterson is a starter, what does that do the bullpen?  Is Daniel Bard’s debut not too far off?

Does Clay Bucholz have a role this year?

Most important moment of the first 20 games

Wake’s near no hitter in Oakland.  Saved the bullpen and set the stage for an 11 game win streak.

Best moment of the first 20 games

There’s a lot of contenders, but it has to be Ellsbury’s steal of home. 

Most interesting moment of the first 20 games

It was after Ellsbury stole home.  JD Drew was batting and barely even acknowledged the steal that just happened.  No high-five.  No celebratory fist pump.  I doubt he even made eye contact with Ellsbury.  Totally forgivable since he then got back in the batter’s box and hit a 2 run double.