Another season starts this Sunday night, and it brings expectations for fans of all 30 teams. As a Red Sox fan, I am hopeful of great things for this season, even though I likely will be able to catch only a few games live this year (last year's total was 1). Nonetheless, I admit that other matters - such as work and school - are more on my mind right now, and my enthusiasm for following baseball is more tepid than two or three years ago. But here goes my rambles on the team, minus the customary erroneous predictions:
Starting pitching: undoubtedly the strength of the team, with three aces and loaded even at the back; question is, can they stay healthy for the long haul of the season?
Bullpen: some issues, but overall a strong group with good setup options; question is, will the lack of a viable lefty hurt, esp. against the Yankees?
Offense: the biggest weakness, with many spots in the order in flux, and newcomers who are not proven run producers; question is, can Ortiz still produce?
Defense: also a major strength, with improvements at short, in center, and third; question is, will shortstop finally be a stable position?
The Competition: Yankees are still the favorites, and have made upgrades but they also face questions of age from their regulars and kids in the bullpen and rotation (the Joba/Hughes issue); Rays will also be in it, and have many talented players in bloom; the division will be a tough one, maybe 93 wins can take it?
I won't offer any predictions (because they always backfire), but seeing the headlines, it seems that the Phillies and Mariners have garnered the most attention this offseason. The Phillies will be good - esp. with Doc Halladay on top - but the Mariners still have yet to convince me. The division is for their taking and they should finally produce. Otherwise, the field is open in every division and league. Let's hope the races go down to the wire and produce more compelling September and October than last year's.
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