Big Papi's In Shape..Youk On The Red Sox

I read an article in the Herald this early Sunday morning saying that apparently Big Papi David Ortiz has worked hard during the off season to get in better shape. He has shorn ten plus pounds and strengthened his body. After all, he's not a twenty-something year old any more. His offense will be all the more important with Jason Bay's bat out of the lineup. But the Sox will again be capable of scoring runs, especially with Ellsbury and Pedroia at the top of the order and Scutaro and Cameron at the bottom. With the pitching staff Theo has assembled, we should be OK although those world champion pinstripers seem to have improved themselves also...bigtime.

Kevin Youkilis and Dustin "Pedey" Pedroia will be at the center of Red Sox present and Red Sox future for many years to come. That's why they both are signed to long-term deals, deservedly so. Here is Kevin Youkilis with a few syllables about the ifs, buts and maybes of the 2010 Boston Red Sox...

"Guys could have unbelievable offensive seasons. Guys could have bad seasons. You never know what’s going to happen in baseball. That’s what makes it a great sport. We play hard every day. We respect the game. I think that’s a big thing. This team has some guys that can improve on their numbers from last year. There’s a few guys we added that will hopefully improve on their numbers too. You hope for the best, hope guys can have good years, put us in the playoffs and try to win the World Series.”

That would be sweet, wouldn't it? It's very important that Big Papi regain his "pop." He'll be counted on big time. Scutaro must reach or come close to his career year in 2009 and Mike Cameron, in addition to his tremendous outfield defense, must also contribute at the plate. I think Fenway Park will be to his liking...it has in the past and now he'll play 81 games there.

So all the pieces are in place (I'm fairly certain). I honestly don't think there are any more tricks up Theo's sleeves. But in baseball, you never know.

As always, BE WELL. Thanks for stopping in. I appreciate it immensely...I really do. Happy New Year. See ya Monday!