2010 Red Sox Preview: Pitching Edition

Last season ended in the worst way a Red Sox season can end, except perhaps, finishing in the basement. That is, it ended with not only the Sox being swept in the first round of the playoffs, but by the Los Angeles Angles, whom to that point in recent history the Sox had dominated in the post season.

On top of this bitter end to their own season, the rival Yankees went on to quite handily win the World Series. That makes it 27 Fall Classic victories for the Yanks, as Red Sox fans are well aware.

But it is that extra special time of the year where all teams can put the previous season behind them. It is the time when all baseball fans can bask in the hope and prospect of a new season. This time is, of course, spring training. Technically, pitchers and catchers don’t report to training until Feb. 19 and the first preseason won’t commence till March 3. But for Red Sox fans, the season started on Feb. 12 with Truck Day, and so, with that in mind, it is time to examine some major players in the upcoming season, starting with pitchers.

The Rotation:

Josh Beckett:
Is he the Sox' ace? Will he dominate a la 2007? Will he give up as many homeruns as ’09 (or worse ’06)? These are all questions that will determine his season and will most definitely play a major role in the Sox' rotation.

Jon Lester:
His 2009 season was his best yet, the most impressive part of it being his 225 Ks, the most by a Red Sox lefty ever. Can his 2010 season measure up? If so, then the Sox season will be headed in the right direction.

Daisuke Matsuzaka:
Dice-K is perhaps the biggest wild card in the Red Sox mix. His pitching can be difficult to watch and his health was less than satisfactory last season. Let’s hope his most recent mild back strain is not a forewarning of his upcoming season.

Tim Wakefield:
The old knuckleballer must have something left, why else would the Sox sign the 43 year old to a two year contract?

John Lackey:
He’s the newest starter for the Sox rotation. Each of the last two seasons he’s suffered injuries, but, if he stays healthy there is no question he’ll be a huge contributor to the team.

Clay Buchholz:
The kid, who threw a no no in his second major league start, only to follow it by abysmal performances in the 2008 season, proved that he could indeed be major league pitcher. He came out strong when he was called up last season, and hopefully will follow with a strong, full season in the big club, if he gets a chance to start.

Key Members of the Bullpen:

Jonathan Papelbon:
Last year was not the best of Pap’s career. That being said, he still finished the season with 38 saves and an era under 2. Let’s face it, Pap’s one of the best at what he does, the Sox are a better team with him on it.

Daniel Bard:
Bard throws the ball at 100 mph, he still needs to work some kinks out, but look for a breakthrough year in 2010.

Manny Delcarmen:
His last season wasn’t great, but it wasn’t terrible. Him and Papelbon are developing into something of a one two punch, perhaps this season the Delcarmen-Papelbon affect will truly flourish.

Pitchers to Watch Out For:

Casey Kelly:
He’s got a nice change up, a decent fastball in the low 90s, and a hard 12-6 curveball. Along with a good feel for pitching, he could be valuable for the Sox.

Dustin Richardson:
This right handed pitcher, although still developing, does have an advanced changeup. Listed as one of the Red Sox top prospects, it’s very likely he could be seeing some major league innings this season.

Those are the pitchers to keep in mind. Considering pitching is perhaps the most important part of a baseball team, the Red Sox have a lot to be hopeful for this coming season.

Check out the Voice next Thursday for a preview of the Sox' infielders