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The Official Red Sox Dynasty March w/ updates (1 Viewer)

Finless

Footballguy
As one Dynasty crumbles another one is on the verge of being born. At this point it is fair to say that the Red Sox are the favorites going in to this season. The Tigers may present a problem as well as the Indians but I'm fairly confident with the Sox' chances going into the season. As far as the Yankees go, it appears they failed to improve a club that didn't have enough fire power to get it done a year ago.

This thread has the potential to become Official in the coming weeks. I will keep you all updated.

 
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My concern for the Sox is that they did not get BETTER roster wise in the offseason and some of the key players last year may struggle to match their production from last year.

Beckett, Lowell, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Pedroia, and Okajima all played exceptionally well. Youk, Daisuke, Wakefield, and Ortiz were not as prolific but still put up some decent totals. The verdict is still out on Drew and Lugo.

All in all, they are in decent shape, but they need to play as well, avoid injuries, and have their young pitchers pick up some slack.

Interestingly enough, the Yankees didn't change roster wise either (or at least have not made many improvements). However, I think the Tigers got better and maybe the Angels did too (with the Indians staying as another top team). So IMO, you have BOS, NYY, DET, CLE, LAA, and SEA as the likely favorites fighting for 4 playoff spots.

 
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My concern for the Sox is that they did not get BETTER roster wise in the offseason and some of the key players last year may struggle to match their production from last year.Beckett, Lowell, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Pedroia, and Okajima all played exceptionally well. Youk, Daisuke, Wakefield, and Ortiz were not as prolific but still put up some decent totals. The verdict is still out on Drew and Lugo.All in all, they are in decent shape, but they need to play as weel, avoid injuries, and have their young pitchers pick up some slack.Interestingly enough, the Yankees didn't change roster wise either (or at least have not made many improvements). However, I think the Tigers got better and maybe the Angels did too (with the Indians staying as another top team). So IMO, you have BOS, NYY, DET, CLE, LAA, and SEA as the likely favorites fighting for 4 playoff spots.
This is funny.The World Series champions did not get BETTER. Hmmmmm.Well, the way I see it, they bring back their entire team, maybe without Schilling for the better part of the year, and a bunch of their UNDER producing players have a chance to put up better years, guys like Drew, Lugo, Dice K....oh, a guy in left you may have heard of Manny Ramirez?Sure a few guys over performed, Lowell, Okajima for a good part of the season...and Pedroia, after May....but none of these guys were MVP candidates, they just had above average years. All teams have guys with above average years, and below average years. The fact that Manny Ramirez only hit 20 homers and drove in 88 runs, and this team still won the World Series is pretty strong argument for the fact, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It will be interesting to see just how much better the Tigers got, imo. That is an older team, especially their core players. I think they'll be strong, but I really want to wait and see just how strong they may be.
 
guru_007 said:
My concern for the Sox is that they did not get BETTER roster wise in the offseason and some of the key players last year may struggle to match their production from last year.Beckett, Lowell, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Pedroia, and Okajima all played exceptionally well. Youk, Daisuke, Wakefield, and Ortiz were not as prolific but still put up some decent totals. The verdict is still out on Drew and Lugo.All in all, they are in decent shape, but they need to play as weel, avoid injuries, and have their young pitchers pick up some slack.Interestingly enough, the Yankees didn't change roster wise either (or at least have not made many improvements). However, I think the Tigers got better and maybe the Angels did too (with the Indians staying as another top team). So IMO, you have BOS, NYY, DET, CLE, LAA, and SEA as the likely favorites fighting for 4 playoff spots.
This is funny.The World Series champions did not get BETTER. Hmmmmm.Well, the way I see it, they bring back their entire team, maybe without Schilling for the better part of the year, and a bunch of their UNDER producing players have a chance to put up better years, guys like Drew, Lugo, Dice K....oh, a guy in left you may have heard of Manny Ramirez?Sure a few guys over performed, Lowell, Okajima for a good part of the season...and Pedroia, after May....but none of these guys were MVP candidates, they just had above average years. All teams have guys with above average years, and below average years. The fact that Manny Ramirez only hit 20 homers and drove in 88 runs, and this team still won the World Series is pretty strong argument for the fact, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It will be interesting to see just how much better the Tigers got, imo. That is an older team, especially their core players. I think they'll be strong, but I really want to wait and see just how strong they may be.
The Sox went through last year with hardly any injuries . . . which is one of the biggest reasons they won the WS. But they have their fair share of guys that are not getting any younger (just like I posted about the Yanks in their thread).They have quite a few guys in their 30s (not saying that means anything, only they are not in their 20s):Wake 41Schilling 41Timlin 41Mirabelli 37Varitek 36Manny 35Tavarez 34Lowell 33Casey 33Okajima 32Cora 32Lugo 32Drew 32Papi 32You would think that having won two titles in recent years that free agents may have been knocking on their door, but they really haven't made many changes.
 
The Sox went through last year with hardly any injuries . . . which is one of the biggest reasons they won the WS. But they have their fair share of guys that are not getting any younger (just like I posted about the Yanks in their thread).They have quite a few guys in their 30s (not saying that means anything, only they are not in their 20s):Wake 41Schilling 41Timlin 41Mirabelli 37Varitek 36Manny 35Tavarez 34Lowell 33Casey 33Okajima 32Cora 32Lugo 32Drew 32Papi 32You would think that having won two titles in recent years that free agents may have been knocking on their door, but they really haven't made many changes.
Well, first you can't really predict injuries, you just have to go into each season assuming you'll get a few nicks here and there and make due.Of the guys you've mentioned Wakefield? come on, he's a knuckleballerSchilling has already been addressed, out for at least a while.Mirabelli catches 1 night per week.ManRam was dinged up a bit last year, played in only 133 games, no reason to expect more than 150 or less than 130Tavarez and Timlin are bit pitchers. And Timlin was out for a while last yearCasey, backup player at best...same as CoraLugo, Drew and Papi are only 32, not exactly ancient in baseball terms. And Papi is a DH and was hurt a bit last year.It's not exactly like the Red Sox were the fountain of youth and totally healthy last year. Fact is, Francona is pretty decent at getting these 'older' players their days off, and letting them rest so as to get through the season a bit healthier than may otherwise be expected. Fact is, they actually have gotten better, in that Ellsbury will be playing more. Perhaps Crisp and Drew can play outfield some days, allowing ManRam to sit, or DH, get Papi a few appearances at 1B, what have you. Plus, the fact they didn't hamstring themselves by getting Santana allows them to be a lot more flexible during the season should tweaks/trades need to take place. Not every team can get better every year. But if you're the best team in baseball, and you stay the same, well, that's not too bad.It will be a fun season. We'll just have to see how it all plays out.
 
Manny was injured for a good portion of the summer. He's been working harder than ever this off season - contract year.

Ortiz played half the year with a bad wheel.

Lugo picked things up after the all star break after having a horrendous first half. He Will improve

Drew will improve this year.

Lowell can't improve on last year. I expect a slide.

Ellsbury replaces Crispy - Upgrade! I'm not expecting huge things.

Oki - Had a monster year...I expect another.

Schilling - Oh well, other than playoff pitching he was less than spectacular. His games looked like BP last year. I'll take Buchholz.

Pedroia is a stud. He got a taste of things last year. Might tail off a bit.

Varitek - meh...guy's been tailing off for years. Looking for a new contract.

Beckett is a monster.

Diasuke will improve on last year.

So the Champs failed to make any real moves. Why is this a problem?

 
My concern for the Sox is that they did not get BETTER roster wise in the offseason and some of the key players last year may struggle to match their production from last year.Beckett, Lowell, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Pedroia, and Okajima all played exceptionally well. Youk, Daisuke, Wakefield, and Ortiz were not as prolific but still put up some decent totals. The verdict is still out on Drew and Lugo.All in all, they are in decent shape, but they need to play as weel, avoid injuries, and have their young pitchers pick up some slack.Interestingly enough, the Yankees didn't change roster wise either (or at least have not made many improvements). However, I think the Tigers got better and maybe the Angels did too (with the Indians staying as another top team). So IMO, you have BOS, NYY, DET, CLE, LAA, and SEA as the likely favorites fighting for 4 playoff spots.
This is funny.The World Series champions did not get BETTER. Hmmmmm.Well, the way I see it, they bring back their entire team, maybe without Schilling for the better part of the year, and a bunch of their UNDER producing players have a chance to put up better years, guys like Drew, Lugo, Dice K....oh, a guy in left you may have heard of Manny Ramirez?Sure a few guys over performed, Lowell, Okajima for a good part of the season...and Pedroia, after May....but none of these guys were MVP candidates, they just had above average years. All teams have guys with above average years, and below average years. The fact that Manny Ramirez only hit 20 homers and drove in 88 runs, and this team still won the World Series is pretty strong argument for the fact, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It will be interesting to see just how much better the Tigers got, imo. That is an older team, especially their core players. I think they'll be strong, but I really want to wait and see just how strong they may be.
The Sox went through last year with hardly any injuries . . . which is one of the biggest reasons they won the WS. But they have their fair share of guys that are not getting any younger (just like I posted about the Yanks in their thread).They have quite a few guys in their 30s (not saying that means anything, only they are not in their 20s):Wake 41Schilling 41Timlin 41Mirabelli 37Varitek 36Manny 35Tavarez 34Lowell 33Casey 33Okajima 32Cora 32Lugo 32Drew 32Papi 32You would think that having won two titles in recent years that free agents may have been knocking on their door, but they really haven't made many changes.
I agree that each season has many, many variables and one key factor is the injury bug. However, I think you understated the injuries they had last season. Off the top of my head...Beckett had a brief issue that cost him consecutive starts.Ramirez was banged up at times and missed a significant stretch last summer.Ortiz hurt his shoulder; was frequently rested and played on a knee that required off season surgery.Lester missed a significant portion of the season from his cancer.Shilling was shut down for some time after his failed no-hit bid.Wakefield missed sporadic starts with a back issue and was finally shut down in the post-season.Timlin was shut down for a while.Okajima, who had a tremendous season that will be tough to duplicate, was shut down late in the season to regain some strength for the post season.Of the "older" guys that you listed, only Varitek jumps out as a key cog with a elevated injury risk. It's inherent in the position.There are a few guys who should improve (Lugo, Drew, Dice?) and some who should dip some (Lowell, Okajima), but overall they seemed pretty balanced with some good pitching prospects in the organization.Are they the "favorites"? Who cares? You don't win anything on paper.
 
My concern for the Sox is that they did not get BETTER roster wise in the offseason and some of the key players last year may struggle to match their production from last year.Beckett, Lowell, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Pedroia, and Okajima all played exceptionally well. Youk, Daisuke, Wakefield, and Ortiz were not as prolific but still put up some decent totals. The verdict is still out on Drew and Lugo.All in all, they are in decent shape, but they need to play as weel, avoid injuries, and have their young pitchers pick up some slack.Interestingly enough, the Yankees didn't change roster wise either (or at least have not made many improvements). However, I think the Tigers got better and maybe the Angels did too (with the Indians staying as another top team). So IMO, you have BOS, NYY, DET, CLE, LAA, and SEA as the likely favorites fighting for 4 playoff spots.
This is funny.The World Series champions did not get BETTER. Hmmmmm.Well, the way I see it, they bring back their entire team, maybe without Schilling for the better part of the year, and a bunch of their UNDER producing players have a chance to put up better years, guys like Drew, Lugo, Dice K....oh, a guy in left you may have heard of Manny Ramirez?Sure a few guys over performed, Lowell, Okajima for a good part of the season...and Pedroia, after May....but none of these guys were MVP candidates, they just had above average years. All teams have guys with above average years, and below average years. The fact that Manny Ramirez only hit 20 homers and drove in 88 runs, and this team still won the World Series is pretty strong argument for the fact, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It will be interesting to see just how much better the Tigers got, imo. That is an older team, especially their core players. I think they'll be strong, but I really want to wait and see just how strong they may be.
The Sox went through last year with hardly any injuries . . . which is one of the biggest reasons they won the WS. But they have their fair share of guys that are not getting any younger (just like I posted about the Yanks in their thread).They have quite a few guys in their 30s (not saying that means anything, only they are not in their 20s):Wake 41Schilling 41Timlin 41Mirabelli 37Varitek 36Manny 35Tavarez 34Lowell 33Casey 33Okajima 32Cora 32Lugo 32Drew 32Papi 32You would think that having won two titles in recent years that free agents may have been knocking on their door, but they really haven't made many changes.
I agree that each season has many, many variables and one key factor is the injury bug. However, I think you understated the injuries they had last season. Off the top of my head...Beckett had a brief issue that cost him consecutive starts.Ramirez was banged up at times and missed a significant stretch last summer.Ortiz hurt his shoulder; was frequently rested and played on a knee that required off season surgery.Lester missed a significant portion of the season from his cancer.Shilling was shut down for some time after his failed no-hit bid.Wakefield missed sporadic starts with a back issue and was finally shut down in the post-season.Timlin was shut down for a while.Okajima, who had a tremendous season that will be tough to duplicate, was shut down late in the season to regain some strength for the post season.Of the "older" guys that you listed, only Varitek jumps out as a key cog with a elevated injury risk. It's inherent in the position.There are a few guys who should improve (Lugo, Drew, Dice?) and some who should dip some (Lowell, Okajima), but overall they seemed pretty balanced with some good pitching prospects in the organization.Are they the "favorites"? Who cares? You don't win anything on paper.
Additions came thru the system, not FA. No need to pay over the top money, IMO. They've effectively added Lester, Buckholz, and Ellsbury. I'd like to see them find a replacement C, and maybe a bit of youth in the bullpen. But the starting rotation is mostly young, in Lester, Bucholz, Beckett and dice-k. Youth at closer, 2b, cf and the rotation. It should be, assuming health, a good year.
 
B. Colon signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox.
Championship!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe he started 5-0 last year when he returned...Cy Young a year or two before that? If he can get in shape and stay healthy he could be a huge help. Well he's shown us he doesn't have to be in shape to be effective.
 
Don't be shocked if Lugo struggles in the first half of the season, the Red Sox call up Jed Lowrie and give him a shot to take over at Short. Also, Justin Masterson could be a big part of the short relief corps after the break.

 
My concern for the Sox is that they did not get BETTER roster wise in the offseason and some of the key players last year may struggle to match their production from last year.

Beckett, Lowell, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Pedroia, and Okajima all played exceptionally well. Youk, Daisuke, Wakefield, and Ortiz were not as prolific but still put up some decent totals. The verdict is still out on Drew and Lugo.

All in all, they are in decent shape, but they need to play as well, avoid injuries, and have their young pitchers pick up some slack.

Interestingly enough, the Yankees didn't change roster wise either (or at least have not made many improvements). However, I think the Tigers got better and maybe the Angels did too (with the Indians staying as another top team). So IMO, you have BOS, NYY, DET, CLE, LAA, and SEA as the likely favorites fighting for 4 playoff spots.
I agree with David here... no major strides were made and other teams got better. IMHO that levels the playing field and greatly reduces the chance of a repeat. That said... certainly not "doom and gloom" given some valid points made by others here....
Manny was injured for a good portion of the summer. He's been working harder than ever this off season - contract year.

Ortiz played half the year with a bad wheel.

Lugo picked things up after the all star break after having a horrendous first half. He Will improve

Drew will improve this year.

Lowell can't improve on last year. I expect a slide.

Ellsbury replaces Crispy - Upgrade! I'm not expecting huge things.

Oki - Had a monster year...I expect another.

Schilling - Oh well, other than playoff pitching he was less than spectacular. His games looked like BP last year. I'll take Buchholz.

Pedroia is a stud. He got a taste of things last year. Might tail off a bit.

Varitek - meh...guy's been tailing off for years. Looking for a new contract.

Beckett is a monster.

Diasuke will improve on last year.
Agreed with MOST of what clifton is saying here except:• the "not expecting huge things" on Ellsbury. I think .310 / 10HR / 100R / 40SB is a very real possibility.

• I don't expect Oki to product at the elite level he did early - I expect a 2.75-3.00 ERA out of him this year. Good but not great.

• If Pedroia tails off at ALL it won't be much.. he's a hustling hungry dirt dogger... kid has that "it" factor.

Additions came thru the system, not FA. No need to pay over the top money, IMO. They've effectively added Lester, Buckholz, and Ellsbury. I'd like to see them find a replacement C, and maybe a bit of youth in the bullpen. But the starting rotation is mostly young, in Lester, Bucholz, Beckett and dice-k. Youth at closer, 2b, cf and the rotation. It should be, assuming health, a good year.
Very valid points here but don't forget the ROY...Petroia
Don't be shocked if Lugo struggles in the first half of the season, the Red Sox call up Jed Lowrie and give him a shot to take over at Short. Also, Justin Masterson could be a big part of the short relief corps after the break.
:goodposting: Short of a choke on the big league level I believe Masterson is ready. I'm hesitant to predict Lugo's replacement as he's a bit pricey and emotionally unstable... theo sticking with him is what helped him break through late last year IMHO. Lowrie is a talented kid, however... had the top OPS of all minor league SS last year (.896)

--

Overall Boston has a very solid Defensive unit.. they could come up a BIT weak in the pen (hence the likely emergence of Masterson after the break.

Coco will likely see most action early and I believe much to the dismay of many fanboys like myself, Ellsbury will start the season in AAA to avoid using one of his option years so the sox can maintain control over him one more year. The upside is it motivates Coco into a "excel or die" state... downside is if Coco does hit like he's capable of, then that puts Tito in a tough albeit enviable position of having two of the game's best CF's

Dice K's adaptation is largely the key to Boston's season. Assuming all things remain equal, if Dice can step up and produce as the #1/#2 hybrid he's shown flashes of....and do so on a much more consistent basis, then that takes a LOT of pressure off the kids (Buchholz/Lester). If Dice struggles Boston could be in for a tough year.

I like the value in Colon's signing, given Boston's thinned rotation... and I get the logic (starts strong.. schilling back well rested at the break)... but let's just say I'm not 100% sold on this guy coming up and pitching like a #3 or #4 just yet.

I don't see Lowell regressing as much as some might think. He's on a new contract but he's another true ballplayer... doesn't seem like the kind to sit back now that he's got his money. That and his swing is tailor made for fenway.... he's a doubles machine and can pepper the monster at will. Another year of age won't take that away.

 
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I'm a diehard Sox fan but this thread has :fail: written all over it.
Care to elaborate on this a bit?
Red Sox fans are becoming what I hated most about Yankees fans. Dynasty? This is something on arrogant New Yorkers talk about. Remember, Sox fans are humble. All of those crushing defeats remind us how hard it is to get to the top.
I disagree with you, sorry. The Red Sox are 1 World Series away from dynasty status. That's something to be excited about. Do I expect a Series win?...probably not...but I wouldn't be surprised. Having said that, they are the favorites going into the season. The thread title was a bit tongue in cheek in light of New England's latest failure. :mellow: To the newest future Boston Dynasty :banned:
 
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I don't get the Sox. Pabelbon is not happy with his contract. He made $425,000 last year and the Sox think he should be paid close to what Bobby Jenks makes ($550,000) while Paps wants what Ryan Howard makes ($900,000). With the amount of money Boston has spent in the multi-millions for other less valuable and less productive players, why play games for a few hundred thousand dollars?

 
I don't get the Sox. Pabelbon is not happy with his contract. He made $425,000 last year and the Sox think he should be paid close to what Bobby Jenks makes ($550,000) while Paps wants what Ryan Howard makes ($900,000). With the amount of money Boston has spent in the multi-millions for other less valuable and less productive players, why play games for a few hundred thousand dollars?
Agreed... hell... meet the kid halfway and give him 750k.. it's pennies on the dollar given the kids' skillset.
 
I'm taking my 6 year old son out of kindergarten early on 3/7 to catch the sold out Orioles vs. Red Sox (ss game) in Ft. Lauderdale. Got to teach him early that there are some things more important than school. Is there anything anyone wants me to look out for? I will report back Friday afternoon.

 
I'm taking my 6 year old son out of kindergarten early on 3/7 to catch the sold out Orioles vs. Red Sox (ss game) in Ft. Lauderdale. Got to teach him early that there are some things more important than school. Is there anything anyone wants me to look out for? I will report back Friday afternoon.
If you get the squad with Manny (whether he plays or not) if he looks slimmed down and like a LB like the rumors have been circulating or if he still is a big tub of goo.
 
Come off a series win against the Yanks with a sweet come from behinder in Cleveland. I'm glad we go to them. A bit tired of hearing about the Great Tribe. So they won a few postseason games. :lmao: I'm looking forward to the Sox putting an end to the delusions in Cleveland...you can :lmao: that.

Looks like the travel fatigue is wearing off and the bats are coming alive. Look out MLB, The March is moving forward.

 
So you guys think Lowrie will have hold on SS next year for sure? Who do you liken him to? What is his ceiling? Trying to decide if this kid fits into my dynasty teams plans (just added Lowrie to Yahoo).

 
As one Dynasty crumbles another one is on the verge of being born. At this point it is fair to say that the Red Sox are the favorites going in to this season. The Tigers may present a problem as well as the Indians but I'm fairly confident with the Sox' chances going into the season. As far as the Yankees go, it appears they failed to improve a club that didn't have enough fire power to get it done a year ago. This thread has the potential to become Official in the coming weeks. I will keep you all updated.
What happens to this thread when the Phillies knock you out.............. :goodposting:
 

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