By Jordan Liebhaber, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer

You know spring is in the air when Red Sox talk hits the air waves.  Too bad the weather outside won’t cooperate.  Fenway Park is still frost bitten and covered by tarps, but the infamous truck left for Fort Myers last week and Sox fans are ready for some baseball.

So how about those Sox?  The last two seasons have been somewhat of a disappointment compared to what we were used to seeing.  After two World Series championships in three years, we are hardly satisfied with just a mere playoff entry.  No, we want it all.  So what chance does this edition of the Boston Red Sox have against the rest of the American League and the (I really hate saying this) defending champion New York Yankees?

As the old adage says, pitching and defense wins championships.  The 2010 Red Sox will feature one of the best rotations in baseball, led by “J cubed” (Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and John Lackey).  Dice-K will come into the season with a rested and healthy right arm, and groin (that injury he lied about all season).  Budding star Clay Buchholz will pitch in the number 5 slot.  As always, the rubber armed Tim Wakefield will provide insurance for any starter who gets injured during the season.  The bullpen will be led by the fearless Jonathan Papelbon and the defense littered with former gold gloves.  In my opinion we should be seeing the Sox playing baseball well into October.

The only weakness, which is a glaring one, is the middle of the lineup.  Jason Bay hit the road to the Big Apple and the fond memories of David Ortiz hitting 35+ Home Runs and 130+ RBI’s are long gone.  So where does that leave us?

The 1-4 spots in the lineup are solid.  Jacoby Ellsbury has proven to be one of the premier leadoff hitters in the game, reminding us of the likes of a young Ricky Henderson.  Although he had somewhat of a down year compared to his MVP season in 2008, Dustin Pedroia will always be an on base machine.  The bearded one, Kevin Youkilis will continue to be one of the elite power hitters in the game.  New fan favorite Victor Martinez had a phenomenal 2^nd half of the season for the Sox.  With the added incentive of being a free agent following this season, look for him to compete with Twins super star Joe Mauer for the title of best catcher in the league. Martinez has also expressed his interest in remaining with the Sox. The always reliable and on base king J.D. Drew has had a quietly impressive three seasons with the Sox.  His bat will either slide into the 5^th or 6th spot in the lineup, depending on our next player, David Ortiz.

Big Papi was an anomaly for the better part of two months last season.  He did not hit his first home run until May 20, and struggled to hit above .200 for much of the year.  Somehow he swatted 28 home runs and drove in 99 RBI’s to end the season, but his lack of production was still a very scary site for Sox fans.  Unfortunately, the Sox’ success will ride on Papi’s bat, whether we like it or not.  Some prognosticators believe the Sox will make a blockbuster deal for super slugger Adrian Gonzalez (40 home runs in cavernous Petco Park is nothing to scoff at).  But, that would take the likes of a Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard, Josh Reddick plus who knows how many other prospects Theo Epstein’s former protégé, Jed Hoyer, commands.

Neither Mike Cameron nor Marco Scutaro were brought in for their bats.  But they both will help contribute to the Sox’ chances this season.  All in all, I like the Sox’ shot.  The Yankees will field pretty much the same team which won it all last year and the Rays will look to come back to their 2008 AL Championship form.  But as we all know, it comes down to the team with the best pitching, defense, and clutch hitting.  Hopefully the Sox will look more like the teams of 2004 and 2007, bringing home a parade on Lansdowne Street once again.

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