By: Ben Barker, YawkeyTalkies Correspondent
While the pitching seems to be set in place for a strong 2010, the arms have really not been the concern. The biggest question mark for the Sox all off-season has been their offense.
There is no doubt that the number of home-runs will suffer with the loss of Jason Bay, but many people give that more weight than it deserves. The real question is whether or not the Red Sox newcomers will be able to fill that hole enough to put the Red Sox on the scoreboard.
Realistically, if everyone in the batting order can have an offensive year that matches their career average, the Red Sox will be fine. Will this happen? We can only wait and see.

1B – Kevin Youkilis: Youuuuuuuk! The ultimate dirt dog. Kevin Youkilis has been one of the most consistent players in all of baseball over the last three seasons, and he is only getting better. His flawless glove at first base will add to a very solid defensive infield, and with Bay leaving town, Youk should supply most of the power for Boston in 2010.
Prediction: (AVG) – .320 (HR) – 28 (RBI) – 115
2B – Dustin Pedroia: A Rookie of the Year, MVP, Gold [...]

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 [...]

By: Dan Massar, YawkeyTalkies Correspondent
Fall in New England.  It brings foliage, apple picking, football and Red Sox vs. Angles in the ALDS.  For the 4th time in 6 years the Sox are taking on the Angles in the first round of the baseball postseason.  This matchup has gone quite well for Boston.  They’ve won the first three series’, winning 9 of 10 games.  This is also the third time the Angels have had the home field advantage.   A Sox win in the series will make it three years in a row Los Angeles has been knocked out by Beantown.
With the series a few days away, here’s a look at some of the key players to watch for each team.
ANGELS:
Vladimir Guerrero: The slugger hasn’t played well in the postseason with the Angels.  He’s a lifetime .321 hitter, but hasn’t been able to provide much punch for the Angels against the Red Sox in the ALDS.  Guerrero is one of the best hitters of his generation.  But he’s missing a great postseason performance from his resume.  A strong series against the Red Sox that leads his team to the ALCS would be great for his legacy.
Mike Scioscia: He isn’t a player, but [...]

By Evan MacDonald, YawkeyTalkies Correspondent
With the season less than 40 games from the finish mark, most teams in the majors have their identity by now. The New York Yankees, for example, are a slugging team with some big-name starters and a shaky bullpen. The Los Angeles Angels are a small-ball outfit with a strong pitching staff.
The Boston Red Sox? Well, they remain as bipolar as they come.
Early in the season, the Red Sox relied on strong pitching and a rock-solid bullpen to pull the load. When Daisuke Matsuzaka went on the disabled list and Brad Penny and Jon Lester struggled, the offense did most of the heavy lifting. When the offense went into a funk, Lester and Josh Beckett combined to scrape together wins for a faltering ballclub.
The Red Sox have been able to sustain a number of slumps and injuries, but at this point in the season it’s a bit unnerving to be unsure of what your team can do. Until Wednesday, when Tim Wakefield came back from injury with seven strong innings against the Chicago White Sox, the Fenway Faithful weren’t even sure who would be the third starter if the Red Sox were to make the playoffs.
Pitching, [...]