Red Sox Roster Prediction (Version 2)

The Red Sox open their 2014 season on Monday in Baltimore so here is my second attempt at predicting who will be on the Opening Day Roster.

My previous attempt can be found here.

Starting Rotation (5)

Jon Lester
Clay Buchholz
John Lackey
Felix Doubront
Jake Peavy

Thoughts: No changes from my first attempt.  The only news about the rotation before the season starts that is worth keeping an eye on is whether or not the team will come to terms with Lester on a long term contract extension.

Bullpen (7)

Koji Uehara
Junichi Tazawa
Burke Badenhop
Andrew Miller
Edward Mujica
Chris Capuano
Brandon Workman

Thoughts: Craig Breslow will start the season on the disabled list so Workman should get the call to start the season with Boston instead of Pawtucket.  If John Farrell opts for a lefty to replace Breslow, Drake Britton will probably get the spot.

Catcher (2)

A.J. Pierzynski
David Ross

Thoughts: No changes.

DH (1)

David Ortiz

Thoughts: Let's hope the new contract guarantees 30+ home runs and 100+ RBI.

Infield (5)

Mike Napoli
Dustin Pedroia
Will Middlebrooks
Xander Bogaerts
Jonathan Herrara

Thoughts: No changes.

Outfield (5)

Shane Victorino
Grady Sizemore
Daniel Nava
Jonny Gomes
Mike Carp

Thoughts: No changes.  John Farrell has already stated that Sizemore is his Opening Day center fielder.  If Sizemore is a success, it will be a great story following his long history of injuries that derailed what was once a very promising career.  Sizemore's presence also allows Jackie Bradley Jr., the team's center fielder of the future, more time to develop in Triple A.  Victorino has been battling through pain recently but is expected to start on Monday.

Here should be the lineup on Monday:

1. Victorino, RF
2. Pedroia, 2B
3. Ortiz, DH
4. Napoli, 1B
5. Sizemore, CF
6. Bogaerts, SS
7. Pierzynski, C
8. Gomes, LF
9. Middlebrooks, 3B

Lester, P