Will Their Be eNough Offense in 2006
Assuming that pitching and defense perform in 2006 like they are expected too, will there still be enough zap left in the Red Sox offensive line-up to muster 95-100 wins?
The reports are out that Gonzalez is coming to Fenway for 1 year at SS. That provides a Gold-Glove left side of the infield with Mike Lowell hankering down 3B. Loretta is an All-Star 2nd baseman with Alex Cora and Tony Graffinino filling in behind him. We’ll probably start seeing Pedroia come up in bits through out 2006, whether he’s at SS or 2B can be anyone’s guess at this point.
First base has improved defensively as well with Snow and Youk over Millar. I would go as far to say that Crisp will be an upgrade defensively in center as well.
If Schilling and Foulke return to form of 2004, and Beckett stays healthy, we have some very strong seeds for a deep rotation and bullpen. No one ever knows for sure about the health of pitchers, and I’m not sold on anyone yet in our rotation, and perhaps only Timlin in the ‘pen. All suspicion aside, we should have a few 15-20 game winners, and a closer with 35 or so saves. I wouldn’t put it past the franchise to start sneaking peeks at Delcarmen and Lester throughout the season, and we still don’t have a specialist.
The biggest hit we’ve experienced this offseason has been with offensive production depletion. Our left side of the infield has lost dramatic numbers. Even though Renteria had horrid defensive statistics, he was a decent #2 hitter. And, there’s nothing anyone can take away from Bill Mueller — a solid performer for 3 years as a member of the Red Sox. Damon leaving to go to NYC took a very capable lead-off hitter from the top of the order, if not known for OBP, than maybe just setting the tone of the game. Kevin Millar’s departure will have effects on the lineup initially I think, but I’m not sure anyone knows how Youk will perform in his first full season with the club. If Manny does get delt or doesn’t play, we’re in for some big trouble offensively.
Ok, this ended up longer than I wanted it. But, do the Sox have enough to get it all done in 2006?