AUTOGRAPHS

Only Injuries Could Derail Boston Red Sox

Injuries hampered the Boston Red Sox in 2010 as fans were forced to watch in agony as division rivals Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees passed them. But with a key trade and several important free agent signings, Boston fans should be in for another enjoyable season in 2011.

Injuries to key players hampered the Red Sox in 2010. Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Cameron, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Josh Beckett all struggled with various ailments. Pedroia ended up having to have surgery on his foot that caused him to miss 90 games while Ellsbury missed all but part of April after injuring his ribs.

Last years third baseman, Adrian Beltre, left as a free agent to sign with the defending American League Champion Texas Rangers. But Boston had traded prospects to the San Diego Padres to acquire slugger and perennial all star Adrian Gonzalez. With Youkilis able to move back to his original position at third base with Gonzalez now playing first, Beltre had become expendable.

Also injured in 2010 was center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who was limited to just 18 games and 78 at bats. In 2009, Ellsbury was an elite base stealer, swiping 70 bags and in 2008 he stole 50 bases. Ellsbury also hit . 301 with 8 homers and 60 RBIs in 2009 and he is still just 27 years old, so the power numbers could still increase. Going into the spring of 2011, it looked as if the rib injury that cost him all of last season was finally behind him.

Crawford comes over from the Rays and he adds another all star hitter to the Boston line up. He adds a blend of power and speed and could be a perfect third place hitter in the lineup following Ellsbury and Pedroia. Those three should be on base quite a bit for clean-up hitter Gonzalez to knock in.

After coming over as a free agent from the Angels where he went 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 2009, starter John Lackey had a disappointing 2010 season. Lackey won 14 games (but lost 11) but his ERA ballooned to 4.40 and his hits allowed and walks were well above his career average numbers. Lackey has room to improve in 2011, though he did throw 215 innings in 33 starts last year.

Jenks will pair with Daniel Bard to give the Sox two hard throwing set up men to closer Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon is a premier closer, averaging 38 saves over the past three seasons. Wheeler will hold leads or keep games close, allowing the potent Red Sox lineup to come from behind if they trail early in the game.

Fortunately, the Boston Red Sox have new emerging aces Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz to anchor the starting rotation, and they have also made key additions to the bullpen and lineup that should put them in position to win it all in 2011.

Bobbie Barton is a fitness trainer She likes SportsFanTreasures.com and recommends you check out their info on Washington Nationals Watch, San Francisco Giants Watch and Atlanta Braves Bedding

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