Red Sox News

State Of The Sox: The Infield

A 'State Of The Red Sox' 5-Part Series

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Here's something strange about the 2008 Red Sox: we head into the season with the exact same infield that the team put out there a year ago. How can that be?

Think about it. Shortstop has been an endless merry-go-round for the past few years, from Nomar to Pokey to Cabrera to Renteria to Gonzalez. Same goes for second base, from Walker to Bellhorn to Graffanino to Loretta to Pedroia.

But following their second World Series title in the past 4 seasons the Red Sox have stood pat, and why not?

First Base - Kevin Youkilis

Kevin Youkilis returns at first base where he provided Gold Glove winning defense in really his first full season there. Offensively, he was solid hitting .283 with 16 HR, 83 RBI, 85 runs, and an OBP of .390. That is a heck of a season. Meanwhile, the Sox coaching staff and front office have raved about how he seemingly has a good, solid, professional at-bat each and every time he steps to the plate. In this Sox offense that's invaluable as it "keeps the line moving" as Terry Francona would say.

First Base - Sean Casey

Youk will be backed up at first base this year by veteran Sean Casey. That's a nice choice in that Casey is well-liked and respected around the game (which should make him a nice fit for this clubhouse) and he can still play at the age of 33. Casey hit. 296 with 54 RBI and an OBP of .353 last season. It gives the Red Sox a nice lefty bat off the bench and Casey can play first when Youk gives Mike Lowell a day off at third base.

Second - Dustin Pedroia

Dustin Pedroia comes in off a remarkable year. The 24 year-old struggled at the end of the '06 season, hitting just .191, and then again in April (.182), but the manager kept the faith. Pedroia responded big-time by hitting .415 in May and finishing the season at .317 with 8 HR, 50 RBI, and an OBP of .380. He also was solid on defense and for his efforts he was named the American League Rookie of the Year. Oh by the way, he was also solid in the post-season coming up with big hit after big hit, including leading off the World Series with the home run that jumpstarted the Sox to their sweep of the Rockies. Terry Francona says he wants Pedroia to bat second this season because of his bat control and his high OBP.

Shortstop - Julio Lugo

Julio Lugo took some time adjusting to Boston, but had a solid season in his first year with the club (he signed a 4 year deal). Lugo hit just .237 with 8 HR, 73 RBI, and a surprisingly low .294 OBP. The 32-year-old was much better in the 2nd half of the season as he hit .280. However, when the Sox signed him they were looking for a lead-off hitter. Lugo had put up very solid numbers with Tampa Bay as a lead-off hitter, but hit just .224 with an OBP of .286. It appears he needs to hit at the bottom of the order as he had an impressive .353 OBP from the 9-hole. Meanwhile, I thought his defense was fine. Lugo should be better this season. I know his manager had a few heart-to-heart talks in the second half and it appeared to get him going.

Third Base - Mike Lowell

Mike Lowell is back. That decision provided the only real drama of the Red Sox off-season. Lowell inked a three year deal after looking for four. Will it bother him? My guess is, no chance. I think it will only motivate him more. Remember, Lowell has had plenty of motivation since coming here. He was considered a "throw in" in the Josh Beckett deal and now wants to prove people wrong again... in that he deserved a 4 year deal. The soon-to-be 34 year-old hit .324 with 21 HR, 120 RBI, an OBP of .378, and a slugging percentage of .501. Can he top that? Hard to do, but the World Series MVP certainly has the ability to come close.

Off The Bench - Alex Cora

You don't need to pay attention to the numbers that Alex Cora puts up (.246, 3 HR,18 RBI last year). All you have to do is ask any teammate, coaching staff, or front office member about him and they'll tell you plenty. He's one of the smartest players in the game and the ultimate teammate. He can also play all 4 infield positions if need be; perfect player for this team and city.

Designated Hitter - David Ortiz

David Ortiz is coming off a year that he took personally. There were a number of critics along the way who ripped him for his "lack of power." Ortiz admitted that he wasn't hitting as many home runs (35 compared to 52 in '06) because of leg injuries. He had arthroscopic surgery when the year was over. However, Ortiz managed to play in 149 games and his presence was felt all season long.

Meanwhile, the rest of his numbers were spectacular. A .332 batting average (highest of his career), 117 RBI, an OBP of.445 (highest of his career), a .621 slugging percentage (second highest of his career), 116 runs (second highest of his career), and 111 walks (second highest of his career). His year was perhaps even more impressive due to the fact that the other part of the Sox dynamic duo, Manny Ramirez, didn't have as good a year as he had in the past (.296, 20 HR, 88 RBI).

Catcher - Jason Varitek, Doug Mirabelli

As for the catching position, nothing has changed. The Red Sox may sign Jason Varitek to an extension this spring. The soon-to-be 36 year-old has been a key part of Boston's two World Series titles because of all that he does with the pitching staff, and as captain of the team. Varitek hit a steady .255 with 17 HR, 55 RBI, with an OBP of a very good .367. I would think a repeat of those numbers would be more than fine.

Meanwhile, people can complain all they want about Doug Mirabelli (.202, 5, 16), but he brings a great deal to the Sox clubhouse and we know his history with Tim Wakefield. Do not underestimate how important he is to what goes on daily during the season. He is a leader.

"The Rest"

As for the rest? Well, Jed Lowrie may get a look in the second half of the season. I know the Red Sox like him a lot as a middle infielder. Chris Carter may get a look at first base. Also, maybe Kevin Cash or George Kottaras could see some time up this season.

Overview

Overall, this is a very good group. I think they provide solid offense and defense. The only thing that could possibly keep this group down is health. The Sox were very lucky in that department last season as they had no major injuries. If that happens again, look for very good things from this group.

WBZ's Dan Roche will be reporting for wbztv.com and WBZ-TV News from Fort Myers, Florida beginning Thursday, February 14.


Part One: The Starting Pitchers
Part Two: The Bullpen

Coming Up: 

Outfield
Team Overview

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