This year is no different as the Red Sox open up against the New York Yankees on Easter Sunday to kick off what is likely to be another exhilarating summer of baseball.
What’s your favorite Opening Day memory?
–Maureen, Garden City, NY
For me it will always be Opening Day 2005 and hosting the ring ceremony after the 2004 World Series title. I have hosted many on field Opening Day ceremonies but none of them had the feel of Opening Day 2005. Not only the 86 year wait for that day, but the injured soldiers from the Walter Reed hospital handing out the rings. James Taylor singing on the field with the Boston Pops in centerfield. The legends who emerged from the Monster from the Celtics, Bruins and Patriots and all the Red Sox greats hoisting the championship banner. It was a day to remember and one I will never forget.
Do you think the Red Sox are lacking power in the fifth, sixth and seventh spots in the lineups?
–VR, Southbridge
It's all about David Ortiz. I think a lot of the Red Sox power questions rest solely on the shoulders of Ortiz. He needs to get off to a fast start and keep it rolling. Last year we saw the effects of his slow start and how it snow balled rapidly and became so mental. The second half was improved but to be the Red Sox DH he needs to return to some semblance of himself. It will change everything. At this hour it sounds as if Drew may be dropped to seventh as Terry Francona tries to figure out if he can live with back-to-back lefties in the No. 5 and No. 6 slot. So, stay tuned but most scouts I have talked with feel Adrian Beltre’s swing and the protection he will receive in this line up bode well for his new team and new home at Fenway. Forty-eight home runs are not likely but 30 maybe. Drew is Drew. We know what to expect from J.D. It will be a topic especially early.
What kind of numbers do you think Jeremy Hermida will post this season?
–Alan, Orange
Not much hype came with his arrival — not even in spring training as he was sort of pegged to be the fourth outfielder. All of that said, I think he could be a huge factor in the 2010 Red Sox success. He had a good spring until a hamstring soreness situation cropped up briefly here at the end. I think some players who play well other places bring their game to an entirely different level when hitting the big stage of Boston. I think he is a great candidate to step up and bring his game to the next level. Playing time will be the issue and how he does as a bench player. The fact that the Red Sox have him coming off the bench and spelling the starters is a testament to how deep the Red Sox are on the bench. I imagine double figures in home runs for him.
Mariano Rivera has had a Hall of Fame career thanks to one pitch: a cut fastball. But he’s the exception. Did Jonathan Papelbon work on his split – or another secondary pitch – to complement his fastball in spring training? Doesn’t he need another pitch to keep hitters honest?
–Tanner, Agawam
He worked on his split and threw more sliders during the spring. I think when looking back at last year he realized he does need the opposition to think about another pitch. His split was so good in the early years of his arrival. His slider he has rarely used in key situations. So it is sort of just there as another pitch. I think last year as fast ball after fast ball was thrown in hitters became semi-comfortable. His innings were longer and his pitch count up. More base runners and more work for himself. His results were still great but the route he took made for far more effort and added to more drama than we are used to.
What are the Red Sox’ chances of winning the World Series?
–Scott, New Bedford
I think they're good. I think the teams in their own division will be their greatest hurdle though. I am not sure too many other teams can say that. It’s a fact in the American League East. Any of the top three teams in the East could win. If they don’t I think that will be the biggest surprise. Health will be the number one determining factor in my estimation. You lose one of your starting pitchers or one of your middle of the order guys and your team changes dramatically. Scouts told me the team that looked the best, albeit spring training, was the Tampa Bay Rays. Sox stay healthy and because of the pitching, they are my pick.
