First up, behind the dish, Victor Martinez — known for his offensive prowess as well as his defensive versatility, Martinez should have no trouble getting into the swing of things in his first full season in the Hub. My projected statistics for Vic are as follows: .293 batting average, 21 home runs, 103 RBIs. Last year, in his 63 games with the Sox, Martinez was a beast: He hit .336 with eight bombs and 41 RBIs.
Next up, we're headed down the line for a breakdown of Kevin Youkillis. There’s no denying the fact that “The Youka” is a professional hitter, and once again the pride of the Cincinnati Bearcats came through with flying colors in 2009, hitting .305 with 27 long balls and 94 RBIs. This season, I think Youkilis is in position to have his best season ever. In my honest opinion, he will hit at least 30 homers, he will drive in 100-plus runs and, once again, he will hit .300 or better.
We now move along to 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia, who took some heat from critics in 2009 for his slight drop-off. In addition to baseball, Pedey had a full plate away from the diamond last year — but the last time I looked, hitting .296 with 15 round-trippers and 72 RBIs isn’t too shabby. This is a turnaround season for Mr. Pedroia; I foresee him hitting at least .310. His power numbers should remain the same — I predict 17 homers, and depending on where he hits in the lineup, he has the potential to drive in 75-plus runs.
Now it's time for the newly acquired Marco Scutaro, who is coming off a career year north of the border with Toronto. Scutaro stroked 12 home runs to go alongside his 60 RBIs and .282 average. However, this season, his offense will be a plus to what he brings to the Sox defensively. It will be Scutaro's glove that keeps Boston in ballgames, and I think Scutaro will see a slight dip in his offensive stats. I can see him hitting right around the .280 mark once again, but respectfully, I don’t see him with more than 12 homers. Maybe if he gets comfortable in the bottom half of the lineup, he will have the chance to drive in a few base runners, so his RBI total could increase, but only time will tell.
Adrian Beltre — now this is a tough nut to crack. In seasons past, he was the go-to guy around the majors at the hot corner, but after his statistical falloff in the Emerald City, Beltre has a lot to prove this season. Beltre has only hit 30-plus home runs once in his career, and that was in 2004, when he smashed 48 over the fence. That was also the only season he surpassed the .300 mark. Yes, that was also Beltre's only 100-plus RBI campaign of his 12-year career, but last season's output of 44 RBIs and eight homers was still lackluster, to say the least. So with that in mind, he can only go up as far as production is concerned. Here's my line for Beltre: .287 batting average, 18 home runs and 85 RBIs.
Next up, the guys who cover the grass: the outfielders. Now that the Sox have acquired Mike Cameron to patrol center field, Jacoby Ellsbury will now try his hand at left. Given his explosiveness (just check him out in this Nike commercial), playing the Monster in left should be a breeze for Ells. Last season, he gave us a sample of what he is capable of, and Boston fans enjoyed it on a nightly basis. Despite the transition to a new position, I say Ellsbury will one-up last season: .310 with the stick, 13 homers and he will score more than 100 runs. However, the book is out on the speed demon, so I don’t think opposing backstops will let him swipe bags as easily.
Cameron — now this is where it gets tricky. The veteran is no stranger to covering ground in center, and this season, after making the move from the NL to the AL, Big Mike should experience some success, especially with such a potent lineup around him. His 2010 stats should look something like this: 26 home runs, .275 batting average and 75 RBIs.
Rounding out the outfield, it's J.D. Drew, who very sneakily pounded out 24 taters in 2009 — and this season, you can expect more of the same methodical, stone-faced style of play from the former Florida State Seminole. He doesn't do it with style, flash or pizazz, but 2010 is his year. I'm guessing big with the departure of Jason Bay, so let's go with .295 in the batter's box, 28 home runs and 90 RBIs. It may be a long shot, but I really see Drew having a monster season.
As for the designated-hitter spot, you have two choices: David Ortiz, or possibly Mike Lowell, if there's a lefty in the game. I envision Big Papi putting last season as far behind him as possible, and Lowell, when called upon, may make the best of his time in the lineup. Ortiz will definitely bust out with more than 30 bombs because there is no way he can start as slow as he did last year. And with Lowell not projected as a starter, the time off will allow him to be healthy — and in turn he will be a force to be reckoned with at the plate. If he gets enough plate appearances, I see Lowell leaving the yard at least 20 times. Is that crazy?
Either way, there are my position-player picks for 2010. Stay tuned for my pitching preview, coming soon!
