Youk was a heck of a player,hard-nosed,emotional,gritty.His style will be missed,but itd Middlebrooks time.
Jackie Bradley Jr.,certainly has climbed the Sox-prospect ladder quickly,with his 5 tool production.I would have to consider parting with a package of high level prospects for pending free agent lefty ACE, Cole Hamels.As long as there was a pre- trade contract in place.
Wow, I miss one day of Firebrand,and I don't recognize the site. It looks great and I am sure the content will remain informative as well as interesting .Nice job,well done.
I did not want to see Bard in the starting rotation as I think a strong pen is a key to sustained success.Removing him now I think would be a major mistake.Let's see if he can do it.
' severity of his suckiness ' may I borrow that ?
I do not expect much from Dice K when he returns to the Sox. Pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery generally take a full year to get back to where they were.I am hopeful that Bobby V.can somehow bring the "sevant" out of Dice K. I recall Bobby V. referring to Dice K. as a pitching "sevant",I believe on Baseball Tonight.I hope they retain Dice K. after this season ,so we can see what Bobby V. can do with him a full season removed from surgery .
Michael Bowden has put up excellent numbers in his minor league career,as both a starter and now as a relief pitcher. I have always been impressed with him.If he can sharpen his secondary pitches I can see him playing a nice role for the Sox this season.
Ellsbury's 2011 season was what I expected,hoped that Crawford was going to have. If Ellsbury continues with his power stroke,then you put him in the 3rd slot and Pedroia leading off. Either way scoring runs should not be an issue.
Unless Bobby V.can get Crawford to be a productive leadoff hitter ,(previously has voiced reluctance ) the line-up may be
Ellsbury
Crawford
Pedroia
Agon
Youk
Papi
Salty
RF
Ss
Jason Varitek is a class act and was a fine ballplayer. His place in Red Sox lore is secure and time will surely enhance it. 'Tek' is a close 2nd to Carlton Fisk (the original Pudge) as far as all-time Sox catchers are concerned. Someday in the not to distant future he will be ushered into the Red Sox team Hall of Fame and his # 33 may even have a prominent place high above rightfield.
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topherdd 
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