If you can't already tell, my only real problem with what the Sox did in the offseason was to let Bay go instead of offering up the kind of money that would have kept him put. The
1.) Jacoby Ellsbury – This speedy young 26-year-old standout has been the pride and joy success story of the Sox prospect system for the past few years, while his effectiveness has occasionally fluctuated amongst ever heightened expectations within the organization.
The former Oregon State baseball star knows what it's like to win on the collegiate and professional level already, but has some maturing to do to become the Ricky Henderson style player he's destined to be. As a slap leadoff hitter and a volatile threat on the base paths, Jacoby has grown accustom to going on streaks of striking out epidemicly.
In his first two full seasons up in the majors (2008 and 2009) Ellsbury struck out a combined 154 times. However when he gets the bat on the ball Ellsbury is a great hitter and a threat on the base paths against even the most veteran of pitcher-catcher duos. Ellsbury posted went from hitting .280 in 2008 to .301 in 2009, making progress in steals as well from 50 up to 70 steals. His walks also increased slightly from 41 to 49 last year, helping his on-base percentage up from .336 to .355. All good traits for an ideal leadoff man other than his strikeout rate.
On top of his potential at the plate, we should not forget the Ellsbury is a terror in the outfield, putting his body on the line for any flyball hit within his range – which is massive. His speed and glove are attributes hard to match in this day and age so even if you're not sold on his bat, nobody can argue about his chops on the warning track.
2.) J.D. Drew – This 34-year-old right-fielder with a majestic left-handed swing akin to the likes of Griffey Jr., is the kind of player who draws a lot of haters who say he's overrated, injury plagued and an overall underachiever. Meanwhile, Drew goes on silently doing his thing, making big hits in key at bats and posting decent numbers that would surprise most.
I personally was pumped when J.D. came to Boston from St. Louis and I'm still excited about that the guy today. Yes, he's going to miss games each season to injuries, but in his maturity over the past two seasons he and Terry Francona have grown a bond and understanding of each other – more effectively gauging when he needs a day or two off to prevent further injury. I admire the guy though, because he knows the expectations of him in Boston and he plays hurt and doesn't show it a majority of the time. That's toughness man.
His numbers for 2009? He hit for average at .279, posted a .392 OBP and an impressive .522 slugging percentage. How does he do it? He has a great eye, seamless swing, and commands extreme patience at the plate. I'd say some of the haters better rethink their argument.
3.) Mike Cameron – Less than two days after it was announced that John Lackey would be coming to Beantown, the word was that veteran multi-gold glove award winner Mike Cameron would be joining Lackey on the press conference podium with a newly fitted Sox hat.
Not only that, but defensive standout Ellsbury would be moved to left field to play the monster, thus giving up his reigning throne as the beast in center field. Needless to say, expectations are high for a 37-year-old former all-star and I kinda/sorta scratched my head at this one. Clearly the Sox looked at getting better defensively over the off-season, but Cameron aint no replacement for Mr. Bay.
His numbers for last season (.250 average, .342 OBP, and .452 slugging) with the Brewers were decent, but I'm not sure how much more Cam has in the tank. The thing that scares me most is the Sox have Drew in right and Cam in center – both could go down with injuries for stretches this year – and the rest of the outfield lineup just isn't deep enough.
His real untold value however is his veteran know-how on a team that always welcomes such gametime maturity, combined with his positive influence in the dugout as a renowned team player who mentors younger players. How can you pass up on a guy like that?
4.) Jeremy Hermida – The 26-year-old utility outfielder is the main backup this season and will be sure to see some time filling in for Drew on sore days and most likely will see a pinch hit opportunity now and then.
In 2009 Hermida hit for .259, .348 OBP and .392 slugging for the Marlins. The guys got a lot of upside and I look forward to seeing what he can do.
5.) Josh Reddick – I suspect Hermida won't be the only fill-in outfielder this season, and the Sox's next option is most definitely rising prospect Josh Reddick.
The 23-year-old snagged some great experience last season, playing 27 games with 59 at-bats in the majors. His numbers were not as impressive (.169 average, .210 OBP, and .339 slugging) as some would like, but the guy had an amazing spring training this year and has a lot ahead of him. I see Reddick getting at least 40-50 games this season and, in my opinion, the more the merrier for this young Sox hopeful.
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