My Potential Line-Up

There’s not much to write about at the moment based off Red Sox news, so I thought I would comprise what my “dream” potential line-up would be based off the current 40- man roster. Granted, a lot can change ones Spring Training really kicks into gear, and there could still be some moves made (*cough* Epstein compensation, Oswalt). But, it’s always fun to “play manager.”

Line-Up:
1) Ellsbury CF
2) Pedroia 2B
3) Gonzalez 1B
4) Ortiz DH
5) Youkilis 3B
6) Saltalamacchia C
7) McDonald LF
8) Ross RF
9) Aviles SS

Obviously, a lot can and will change between now and Opening Day. Crawford is said to miss the start of the season after wrist surgery, so he’ll eventually take over Left-Field duties again. Punto could show that he’s a better Shortstop than Aviles, so those two could be switched out. Ryan Sweeney could have more pop in his bat and be the starting Left or Right Fielder. Eventually, I could see the line-up looking more like this:

1) Ellsbury CF
2) Pedoria 2B
3) Crawford LF
4) Gonzalez 1B
5) Ortiz DH
6) Youkilis 3B
7) Saltalamacchia C
8) Ross/Sweeney RF
9) Aviles/Punto SS

I do think Crawford will have a bounce-back year, and I think he’d be good in the number three hole. If Crawford has the numbers he had in Tampa Bay, having him, Pedroia, and Ellsbury running the bases ahead of Gonzalez, Ortiz, and Youkilis is going to be very entertaining. If, for some reason Crawford has another dismal year, he would move down to the number seven or nine holes, depending on how he’s running the bases (sorry, fifteen stolen bases like last year won’t cut it again).

I’ve heard a lot of predictions that Gonzalez is going to be even better than last year, and I believe this to be true. He’ll be more comfortable on the new team, and he’ll be seen in more of a leader role. It appears that Varitek and Wakefield won’t be coming back, so other players are going to be needing to step up in those leadership roles. Gonzalez will do this. Other leaders like Pedroia and Ortiz will continue to be a positive influence on the team as well.

The 2012 40-Man Roster is still very fluid, so much can change from stand-out prospects to trades to free-agent signings. It’s a little strange going into Spring Training with so many question marks with the team, but it’s also really exciting to see what’s going to happen.