2012 Red Sox

The historic collapse of the Red Sox does not need to be reviewed in this space.  Plenty of professionals will let you know what happened. 

My focus is on the future.  Here is my first take on what the 2012 Red Sox should look like on Opening Day.  I'm sure that Theo Epstein (if he doesn't bolt to the Cubs) and his trusted friend Carmine have other ideas.  All new acquisitions in bold.

Starting Lineup (9):

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. David Wright, 3B
6. David Ortiz, DH
7. Josh Willingham, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS

Bench (5):

Jed Lowrie, Utility; Mike Aviles, Utility; Josh Reddick, OF; Ryan Lavarnway, C; Brad Hawpe, OF/1B

Thoughts: Kevin Youkilis, who is falling apart as he gets older, goes to New York along with Ryan Kalish for Wright.  Wright has been on the decline in New York but getting out of cavernous Citi Field and hitting between Gonzalez and Ortiz should solve that problem.  If Wright doesn't work out in 2012, Willie Middlebrooks is on the way up ... The market for free agent outfielders is thin but Willingham adds needed pop from the right side and Hawpe could be a nice addition for the bench ... Sadly, I see Varitek's time in Boston coming to an end ... Aviles and Lowrie would give the Red Sox great depth in the infield

Starting Rotation (5):

Josh Beckett, RHP; Jon Lester, LHP; Clay Buchholz, RHP; C.J. Wilson, LHP; Alfredo Aceves, RHP

Bullpen (6):

Jonathan Papelbon, RHP; Daniel Bard, RHP; Bobby Jenks, RHP; Mike Gonzalez, LHP; Rich Hill, LHP; Michael Bowden, RHP

Thoughts: Papelbon will be back, there's no way the Red Sox can trust Bard as the closer after his abysmal September ... Wilson would be a great addition to a pitching staff that needs high quality starting pitching ... Lackey becomes property of the Padres, with the Red Sox on the hook for $40-million ... Will Daisuke pitch in Boston ever again? ... Wakefield goes out the door with 'Tek while Cy Young and Roger Clemens breath a sigh of relief ... Thinking outside the box - could Bard transition to being a starter?