I’m trying hard to get used to the “new” 2010 Red Sox, who appear dominated by pitching and talk of “run-prevention.” It’s very difficult to ponder the lack of power in their hitting lineup. There are no “star” hitters anymore, but, instead, a bunch of singles hitters who will have to hit in the clutch to drive in runs.
Yet, at the same time, the news about Sox pitchers continues to be the bright spot of their Spring Training in Fort Myers, Fla. Consider these players:
Casey Kelly. He’s the hottest Sox pitching prospect who has reportedly achieved “untradeable” status at the age of 20. Kelly has impressed all observers in his two recent starts. It’s not just his stuff, but, his apparent poise and maturity on the mound. Kelly was a fantastic high school athlete who starred in football too. (He turned down a football scholarship to play quarterback at the University of Tennesee) Then, he played shortstop and pitched, until he finally chose pitching. Kelly will be in the minors during 2010, but he’s already creating a buzz.
John Lackey. Early reports suggest Lackey is comfortable on his new team. He likes the idea of competing with Lester and Beckett. He looked sharp in his first outing last week.
Tim Wakefield – By all accounts, he’s back in good shape. He’s still feeling confident and competitive enough that expects to be in the rotation. If he’s the 6th starter with that outlook & health, he’ll strengthen the entire staff.
Jonathan Papelbon – He seems serious as ever about making up for his nightmarish performance in the 2009 playoffs vs. the Angels. Papelbon is working hard to revive his split-fingered fastball and make it the lethal weapon it was several years ago. He stopped using his “split” much the past two years and that caught up to him as hitters sat on his heater and made more contact. Now, Papelbon had other problems – such as his location, but, relying more on his splitter could go a long way toward a very good 2010.
Josh Beckett. I don’t know how his pitching has looked, but, he seems happy despite facing the uncertainty of being in the last year of his contract. In fact, reports suggest that Beckett and the Red Sox are at least in some kind of substantive dialogue about his contract. Who knows if they’ll sign him to a new, delay a deal until later – or, until after – the season – or let him become a free agent. Beckett’s demeanor so far suggests he’s OK with things now. That’s good. He needs to be focused on this season.
Daisuke Matsuzaka – Dice suffered an minor injury, which prompted some knee-jerk complaints from his chronic critics in Boston, but, he’s recovering fine, and, while his first start may be slightly delayed, this is no big deal. Plus, all the signs with Dice-K have been positive – his off-season workouts, his lighter weight and his attitude. He’s hungry to return to form.
Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz – Each had rough first spring outings, but each feel good coming into 2010. Buchholz has put on some weight, hoping it’d help his durability.
Boof Bonser. Yeah, even Boof is having a good spring. The Sox foresee Bonser, a former Minnesota Twin, doing middle relief. Bonser is a guy with talent who seemed to underachieve on the Twins. Then, he missed all of 2009 after having surgery on his arm. Bonser may be a real surprise plus for the Sox.
Speaking of Bonser’s former team, the Minnesota Twins, the 2010 Red Sox are reminding me a bit of the Twins of recent years. The Twins, under manager Ron Gardenhire, always excell at pitching and defense while scoring less runs than some of the other playoff-bound teams.
Wait a minute…..Even the Twins have done it with Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer. The 2010 Red Sox lineup lacks players who can hit that well.
I guess I’ll have to put my faith in “run prevention.” It may be a long season.
