Who's The Red Sox Leadoff Hitter?

This was an easy one for me because I agree with Boston Red Sox manager Terry "Tito" Francona's opinion. Who to bat first in the Red Sox star-studded lineup? That would be a now healthy (I HOPE so!) Jacoby Ellsbury. We've all seen what he can do in the field and at the plate when he's completely healthy. He only played eighteen games for Boston last season because his ribs just would not stop hurting. He's had a long time to heal and with Ells batting leadoff, Pedey would bat second and, most likely, Crawford will be slotted in the three slot. Then the power guys enter the picture. Here's Tito on our 2011 center fielder, Jacoby Ellsbury...

“He’s healthy now. He says he’s doing everything without being limited. It’ll be fun to watch Ells. A year ago this time we’re talking about him playing left field, being our leadoff hitter and being a game-changer. Now we have the game-changer in left field in Carl Crawford and can move Ells back over to center and hopefully allow him to continue his development. If he’s feeling good, we’d love him to lead off."

The "power guys" in my last sentence are Adrian Gonzalez, who will most likely bat fourth and Kevin Youkilis, who I think will be the number five guy. After that, Big Papi, who should bat sixth, JD Drew, if he's healthy (see below) hitting seventh followed by Scutaro hitting eighth and Salty/Varitek ninth. The last two batters in the lineup might be in either order, Scutaro and then the catcher or just the opposite. Oh, here's what I just found out about JD Drew and it seems this EXACT same thing happens just about very spring with him.

There is lingering soreness in his upper left hamstring, a problem that dogged Drew for much of last season. Although the injury is not considered serious, Drew has been examined by Dr. James Andrews and members of the Red Sox medical staff. This seems like deja vu all over again but the Sox are blessed with outfield depth with Cameron and MacDonald. Boston is deep everywhere. That's why the 2011 season should be so great. Here's Francona on his right fielder, JD Drew...

“It’s something that he has voiced some concern about. I don’t think he’s real concerned about it. But it has been there. We’ll certainly monitor it.’’

I JUST DON'T GET why the Red Sox let something like this go until there are only a few short weeks until spring training begins. Players should be monitored year-round. They sure are being paid enough. My goodness! How much money has been shelled out? Believe me, it's a mind boggling number, as well it should be.

OK, my mini-rant is over. I've mellowed out since the "I hate Manny because he quit on his team" days. But that's enough about the Rays' Manny Ramirez. We'll see him and Damon soon enough. I hope your Monday will be a great one. Click on this post's title for more on the Red Sox and as always, BE WELL. Thanks for stopping in.