It's still unclear how Daniel Bard will transition into a starting role and who of Alfredo Aceves, Carlos Silva or Vicente Padilla will step up to grab a spot in the rotation, but the strength of the Red Sox staff is in the three top hurlers hungry to take the mound once again when the season starts.
Having three elite starters is a problem many major league teams would love to have, and one that the Red Sox are certainly looking forward to dealing with in 2012 once again.
Much is made of the top three starters in the Red Sox rotation. Who would you say is the team's ace heading into this season?
–Ken C., Fort Myers, Fla.
I think it is Jon Lester. You could make an argument for Josh Beckett as well. I think for me Jon Lester would be my No. 1 because he is the most consistent and I think this year will be pitching with sort of a chip on his shoulder. He has come into camp upset, like many of the starters were, with how last year ended. He seems to be highly motivated to get things started on the right foot. However, I do not have a feel as to how Bobby Valentine views it.
Could Jacoby Ellsbury end up signing a long-term extension at some point during the season? He's obviously a cornerstone of the franchise and a guy the Sox need to lock up.
–Bill, Shrewsbury, Mass.
I agree they need to try to lock him up. The problem is he is now a Scott Boras client and the locking up part is going to be very expensive. The deals the Red Sox were able to make to lock up Lester, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis are not the kind of deals Boras clients generally go for. I think the change in agents a few years ago has changed the game here with Jacoby Ellsbury. They will have to be willing to pay top dollar. I do not think the discount theory to stay in Boston will apply now. Especially with the numbers Jacoby has put up with the stolen bases and last year the home runs. It all means his dollar value is increasing as time goes by.
What will we see from David Ortiz this season? He's getting older but did have a good year last year. Can he do it again?
–Amy, Cranston, R.I.
I think he can. The start is going to be important again. Last year was better after back-to-back dreadful starts. The fact that he homered in the opening weekend in Texas last year seemed to relieve some early season pressure. Because it is only a one-year deal, he will be highly motivated again to put up big numbers because that's what they will base the following year on. So the one-year thing for the Red Sox will work in their favor. He looks good in camp so far and I think is also highly motivated to start strong in 2012.
Will Jesse Carlson have a role with Boston this year?
–Shane, Worcester, Mass.
I am not sure. We have certainly seen a lot of him over the years in Toronto and he has had some good years, especially his first in 2008 with 69 appearances and a 2.25 ERA with the Blue Jays. It will depend on how the pen comes together and who does not make the rotation. Will Alfredo Aceves be in the rotation or in the pen? The number of spots available will dictate Carlson's role and we will have a better idea later in camp. He is one of the top lefties they have at this stage, though.
How will Salty and Shoppach split time behind the plate? Could Shoppach become someone's personal catcher ?
–Arthur T., Salem, Mass.
I think Jarrod Saltalamacchia will see the bulk of the time again this season. I do not think we will see personal catchers as Bobby Valentine has been pretty clear down here that he does not like the idea and will try to stay away from that concept. It was something that Terry Francona was opposed to until he saw how glaring the numbers were in some areas and then made the change in philosophy. The Beckett/Jason Varitek tandem comes to mind. I think everybody will catch everybody at least to begin.
