Here are 25 things that need to happen for the Red Sox to be the last team standing.
1. Adjust to cold quickly and jump out to fast start.
2. David Ortiz hits 30 home runs and posts 100 RBIs.
3. Live up to their run prevention tag.
4. Dustin Pedroia is as consistent as Kevin Youkilis.
5. Have a healthy resolution to the Mike Lowell situation.
6. Jacoby Ellsbury makes a quick transition to left field.
7. Play .500 or better on the road.
8. Play some small ball — bunt, hit and run.
9. J.D. Drew produces so much he seems underpaid.
10. Maintain interleague dominance.
11. Manny Delcarmen bounces back from rough 2009.
12. Free-agent signings perform.
13. Minor league players contribute when called up.
14. Victor Martinez plays like a superstar.
15. Pitchers hold runners better.
16. Have fun and show some personality.
17. Opposing rookie pitchers can't surprise them.
18. Jonathan Papelbon throws more than fastballs.
19. Beat teams they are supposed to beat.
20. Clay Buchholz pitches a full season in the majors.
21. Contract years and pending free agencies aren’t distractions.
22. Josh Beckett, John Lackey and Jon Lester make 30 starts apiece.
23. Get boost from an unexpected place in October.
24. Find a way to avoid team slumps.
25. Don’t sign Paul Byrd.
