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Boston Red Sox 2015 season preview and predictions

By Robby Sabo

Aug 22, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) tosses the ball to shortstop Xander Bogaerts (not pictured) during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) tosses the ball to shortstop Xander Bogaerts (not pictured) during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 2, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Justin Masterson (63) throws to a Milwaukee Brewers batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Justin Masterson (63) throws to a Milwaukee Brewers batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

3 Players to Watch

  • SP Justin Masterson
  • SS Xander Bogaerts
  • DH David Ortiz

As a Sox fan, the one most important aspect of the club they’ll be following will surely be that very mediocre rotation. Looking up and down this lineup, there isn’t a weak spot to point to. Actually, there’s very few question marks all together.

On top of that their bullpen should still be spot on. While Koji Uehara is battling father time a tad, 34-years old, he pitched to a 2.52 earned run average and 80 strikeouts showing no signs of falling off.

The staff will be the all important key to the Sox season this season.

Most clubs projected to battle for the division have at least one ace and a solid number two. The Red Sox are littered with a bunch of number three guys. Both Justin Masterson and Rick Porcello will be looked upon to fill one of those top two spots.

Masterson is very familiar with being an ace, but hasn’t been on top of his game since 2013 for Cleveland. Last year he was simply dreadful, sporting a 5.88 ERA and 1.632 WHIP for both the Indians and Cardinals.

Quite possibly the only everyday spot that is circled for having a question mark is short-stop. If 22-year old super prospect Xander Bogaerts can fulfill his potential in 2015, then watch out.

David Ortiz needs to be watched very closely each and every season. Simply put: he’s not human.

One of these seasons the 39-year old veteran doused with experience will start to slow down. Even if he does this time around, Boston has enough bats to overcome it. The only question will be overcoming the lack of leadership and timely hits provided by the future Hall of Famer.

Next: Keys for Success

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