Red Sox News

BOSTON (WBZ) ― The 2008 Boston Red Sox have all the makings of a perfect outfield. Unfortunately, in today's sports world it never seems to work out the way it could (and should).

Left Field - Manny Ramirez

Let's begin in left field where Manny Ramirez seems to be on a mission. For the first time since he's been a member of the Red Sox there were no Manny-wanting-out-of-here days in the off-season. I remember a former member of the Sox telling me a few years back that Manny called Larry Lucchino on a weekly basis telling him, in not very kind words, to get him out of Boston. And with that I'll tell you something about Larry that not many people know. He's one of the most patient people I've ever been around. Sure he can fly off the handle every now and then, but he never makes a rushed decision.

So, back to Manny. As we've seen in stories by Stand Grossfield and Rob Bradford, Manny is working hard to have a huge 2008. He seemed to be genuinely happy this past season and was a media darling in the postseason. I talked to several key members of the team who chuckled at Manny's "if we don't win... so what" comments when the Sox were down 3-1 to Cleveland in the ALCS. Manny had an "unManny" 2007 season hitting .296 with 20 HR and 88 RBI. Look for him to bounce back with a huge 2008.

Right Field - J.D. Drew

J.D. Drew didn't have the greatest year one in a Red Sox uniform hitting .270 with 11 HR 64 RBI and a .373 OBP. However, he made up for it with one swing of the bat in the postseason as he belted a first inning grand slam in Game Six if the ALCS against Cleveland. It was the shocking blast of the postseason. Drew hit a solid .314 with 1 HR, 11 RBI, and a .352 OBP in postseason play.

Keep in mind, Drew had a very tough summer when his newborn child had major hip/leg issues. Some Sox players told me how tough it was to see pictures of JD's son in a body cast. Not easy for Drew when you're trying to play in Boston under the pressure of a monster contract. He has the potential to have a nice bounce back season as well.

Center Field - Jacoby Ellsbury

Center field is where things get real interesting for the Sox in 2008. Coco or Jacoby? Jacoby or Coco? I have never seen the uproar that followed when we got word out that the Sox had indeed included Ellsbury in proposals for pitcher Johan Santana from Minnesota. E-mail after e-mail. Anger from fans. They generally LOVE this kid. He's only 24 years-old, but what a postseason he had!! Ellsbury hit .360 with 4 RBI, a .429 OBP, .520 slugging percentage and some great defense. He had 6 hits, 4 doubles, and 3 runs in the final two games of the World Series alone. Wow. More? He hit .361 in September with 3 HRS, 17 RBI and an OBP of .390. And did I mention speed, speed, and more speed?

Center Field - CoCo Crisp

Meanwhile, Coco Crisp had a more than solid regular season in 2007. Coco hit a more than respectable .268 with 6 HR, 60 RBI, a .330 OBP, 28 SB, and one of the best defensive games in all of baseball. He was spectacular in Center Field making ridiculous catch after ridiculous catch. However, Coco had a real tough postseason hitting just .182 with an OBP of .206. He eventually had to be benched by his manager. It was tough to watch.

So now the question is, what happens in 2008? Coco and Jacoby will battle it out this spring, but to me, it's Ellsbury's job to lose. Late in March, look for Coco to be traded. Unless Ellsbury goes 0-for-the-spring. Even then, Ellsbury may start the season with Coco on the bench as insurance just in case. I just find it very hard for Coco to win his job back.

Off The Bench - Bobby Kielty, Brandon Moss

Finally, Bobby Kielty is back along with Brandon Moss. Kielty had that huge hit in the 4th and deciding game of the World Series. He provided the winning run. He also can hit lefties well as we saw last season when he hit CC Sabathia. He can spell Drew against tough lefties, etc. Moss is the up-and-coming hitter who may see time in Boston this season depending on injuries.

Overview

Overall, this outfield can be one of the best in the game if things go right. Watch for Manny to have a huge year. I also think Terry Francona would love to see Ellsbury emerge as his lead-off hitter to make a dynamic 1-2 punch with Dustin Pedroia atop the order.


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
Part Three: The Infield

Coming Up: 
Team Overview

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