Red Sox Roster Prediction

With less than three weeks remaining in spring training, it won't be long until the Red Sox get their season started.

Here is my first stab at predicting the Opening Day roster for John Farrell's team.

Starting Rotations (5)

Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey, Felix Doubront, Jake Peavy

Thoughts: Any possible competition was eliminated when Ryan Dempster decided not to pitch in 2014. Organizational depth, and the future of the rotation, will be provided by Brandon Workman, Anthony Ranaudo, Allen Webster, and Drake Britton.

Bullpen (7)

Koji Uehara
Junichi Tazawa
Burke Badenhop
Andrew Miller
Craig Breslow
Edward Mujica
Chris Capuano

Thoughts: Unless he's called upon to fill a need in the starting rotation, Workman will probably be a part of this group later in the summer.  Rich Hill is a veteran option likely to start the season in extended spring training.  Other internal options are Ranaudo, Webster, Britton, Rubby De La Rosa, Matt Barnes, and Henry Owens.

Catcher (2)

A.J. Pierzynski
David Ross

Thoughts: While these two are definitely going to make the team, both Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart are names to watch for the future.

DH (1)

David Ortiz

Thoughts: Pay the man.  John Henry needs to step in, hand Ortiz a 1-year extension for 2015 for around $20-million and then sit back and watch him carry the Red Sox offense for another year.  Even if Ortiz falls apart, the 2015 money would be a nice gold watch for a man who has led the team to three World Series titles since coming to Boston in 2003.

Infield (5)

Mike Napoli, 1B
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jonathan Herrea, Utility

Thoughts: I'm a believer that the Red Sox wanted Stephen Drew back for this season but Drew is avoiding that because he knows how good Bogaerts and Middlebrooks can be and he doesn't want to ride the bench. A slow start or injury to either Bogaerts or Middlebrooks could lead to a reunion with Drew.  Mike Carp and Daniel Nava both provide depth as first basemen.  Garin Cecchini is a prospect to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Outfield (5)

Daniel Nava, LF-RF-1B
Grady Sizemore, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Jonny Gomes, LF
Mike Carp, LF-1B

Thoughts: Don't take this as a knock on Jackie Bradley, Jr. but with Sizemore looking healthy (for now) the Red Sox can allow their center fielder of the future some more time to develop in Pawtucket.  A Sizemore injury at any time gets Bradley on this list.  I have a feeling Carp will be dealt to a team in need of a left handed bat before April starts.  Bryce Brentz is the next closest minor league outfielder behind Bradley.

Opening Day Lineup:

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

Lester, P