New Pair of Sawx

The talk this spring were the two major acquisitions that the Red Sox made by signing pitcher Brad Penny from the Los Angeles Dodgers (Manny's going to miss him) and Rocco Baldelli from the defending AL Champion (who we should have beat in game 7) Tampa Bay "Devil" Rays (yes from here on I will refer to them as the Devil Rays because the Tampa Bay Rays sounds like a group of choir boys).

Yes, please.

Brad Penny is just what he has been his whole career. A solid starting five pitcher that will accrue 15+ wins and go about 6 1/3 innings deep each game, giving our bullpen the support it needs. Penny is also coming from a team that made it to the playoffs last year, meaning when October rolls around it won't be unfamiliar territory for him. Although he hasn't experienced October in Fenway Park yet, at least he has some post season experience under his belt. I expect great things from Penny, especially now that Curt Schilling is out of the rotation. Just think of hearing this next season; "Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka, Penny, Wakefield"; not to mention the also newly acquired John Smoltz and a pitcher that struggled a little last season due to some injuries but could also be a factor next season, Clay Buccholz. With that much depth at starters, some of them will be moved to the pen to add stamina and strength to an already power packed arsenal solidified by our hero, Jonathan Papelbon, and his dance that the sportsfangirl loves so much.

Hit, Catch and Throw

I'm becoming overwhelmed with the thoughts of shutouts, complete games, saves and wins that I have to move on to the offensive part of the roster. As I mentioned our other offseason rip, Rocco Baldelli hasn't had that great of a start in the grapefruit league from what I've seen. He actually hasn't had much of an offensive career from what I've seen, so obviously we're paying him for his glove and some depth in the outfield with the injury plagued JD Drew, who in his last interview on NESN said he felt great this season; and providing rest for our big names Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury in the late innings of our multiple blowouts.

Now moving on to the infield with an all-star cast of the returning Mike Lowell at Third Base who has already knocked a few out of the park in St. Petersburg, Florida since his surgery for his torn labrum beginning the rotation around the horn. At shortstop, the seemingly unfillable gap at Fenway, Jed Lowrie who may, but hopefully not, end up splitting some time with Julio "Booooogo". Starting at second base, the reigning AL MVP, the two year removed AL Rookie of the Year, and the biggest badass in the Majors today, Dustin Pedroia, the definition of the old Dirt Dogs in the time of Kevin Millar and Trot Nixon of the '04 Championship Team. Rounding out the dirt at old faithful at first base will be Kevin Youkilis coming back from an injury he suffered in the World Baseball Classic when the USA lost in the semi-final round to Daisuke Matsuzaka and Japan.

Oh Captain, My Captain

Behind the plate, Jason Varitek returns. He struggled a lot last season, but both I and the sportsfangirl are happy to have him back in the clubhouse. Me for the leadership role that he has taken with that C on his chest and her for his tight pants squatting behind home plate this spring. But I digress, we have a hell of a starting line-up, we're two deep everywhere and we have what could possibly be the most feared starting rotation and bullpen this season. So stay tuned sportsfans, we're in for a rollercoaster ride of a season with Tito in the driver's seat. There will be ups and downs, but everyone aboard has their eyes on the same destination, the return to the World Series for another ring and another parade at Government Center where we can party like it's 2009!

Stay tuned to SportsFan4 for continuing coverage of the Red Sox throughout the regulars season and hopefully playoffs (subscribe to our feed to get updates delivered to you). Oh, and don't stop believin'!

Thanks to lloydcrew for the pic of the tix. Throw a pair this way!