1. RF - Roger Cedeno
2. CF - Jose Cruz Jr
3. 1B - Jason Giambi
4. LF - Brian Giles
5. C - Ivan Rodriguez
6. 3B - Eric Chavez
7. 2B - Jose Ortiz
8. SS - Brandon Phillips
Starting Rotation:
Javier Vazquez
Mark Mulder
AJ Burnett
Randy Wolf
Adam Johnson
Bullpen:
Scott Williamson
Chad Zerbe
John Riedling
Chad Harville
Craig House
Mario Ramos
Jim Brower
Mariano Rivera
Brad Thomas
Neugebaure - DL
Christianson - C
Reyes - SS
Evert - RHP
Gross - OF
Koronka - LHP
Stinnett - C
will get later.
Team Anlaysis
*NOTE - This analysis is strictly the opinion of the Red Sox GM, and was done as objectively as possible and stricly for the fun of it
Batting - A tough lineup 1-7 with 6 30+ hr hitters, 4 speed threats for 20+ steals, including Cedeno as a threat for 60+. Giambi is a perennial MVP candidate, Ivan is the best catcher in baseball... when healthy, Giles is easily the most often overlooked 'Great' OFer in baseball. Ortiz and Cruz are both solid 20/20 guys at least and Chavez is another great, patient hitter. Phillips is a vulnerability, but given the strengths of the rest, an irrelevant one.
Bench - Justice is a great lefty off the bench, everyone else is pretty young and of limited value in a pinch.
Defense - Chavez may be the best corner leatherman in baseball right now. Ortiz is also very solid at second. Cruz is a liability in center, but unfortunately, is the best option as Cedeno and Giles are worse. Stinnett is better behind the plate than LeCroy, though LeCroy has a better arm. Incoming catcher Pudge Rodriguez... Is there a better defensive backstop in baseball? Possibly Ausmus, especially considering Pudge's health.
Starting Pitching - Vazquez, Mulder, Burnett, Wolf, Adam Johnson. Vazquez has been buried playing for Montreal his whole career. Mulder is an Exceptional young lefty. Burnett and Wolf, two more strong young pitchers. Johnson is a nobody, but is young enough at 22 to become a somebody.
Bullpen - Rivera, best closer in baseball. That's all you need to know, the starters are all strong enough to go 8 or 9.
Minors - has some good up and coming prospects, no Prior, Dunn, hamilton or other 'Can't miss', but a few guys who may contribute well.
Overall Grade - B+ deserves higher, but I can't give an A to a 4th place team.
Over/Under
Under - Mark Mulder should be better than 6-4 with a 4.08 era.
Over - Chavez. Absolutely beat the SHIT out of the ball earlier this season.
Prescription - Advil? For all those aches and pains... Change divisions maybe...