It’s never easy to try and predict how many games any team will win, especially in baseball, and especially entering a year where the Boston Red Sox find themselves in one of the strongest divisions — on paper, that is. It’s unclear as to how things will really play out, especially with all the players who have moved in and out of the American League East, but here’s my best examination of how these Sox will play in 2013. Continue reading How Many Games Will the 2013 Red Sox Win? »

When the Boston Red Sox signed slugger David Ortiz to a two-year deal for $26 million, a gentle quiver traveled across Red Sox Nation. Of course, the return of the lone familiar face from the 2004 World Series championship team is a good thing–Ortiz is the most dangerous offensive threat the Sox have these days. But a two-year contract that gives him $11 million in 2014 when he’ll enter the year at age 38? That’s serious cause for concern, and our confidence in Ortiz’s ability to contribute to Boston’s lineup was shaken on Sunday with the news that he’ll be shut down for about a week due to a sore left heel.

Ortiz’s 2012 season was cut short due to an Achilles’ heel problem, and all the promise of what 2013 could bring is beginning to look like a path Sox fans know all too well, as it has been suspected he may start the year on the disabled list. The loss of Ortiz could be devastating, as he’s been the most consistent hitter for the Sox in each of the last few years, even overcoming his weakness to left-handed pitching by hitting .320 off of them last year. Continue reading Is David Ortiz the Achilles’ Heel for the Red Sox? »

This season, parity redefines itself in the American League East. Unlike years past, where the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have clashed over the division title and sole AL Wild Card, the division presents five potentially great baseball teams competing for a maximum of three playoff spots. After an abysmal 2012 season, the Red Sox are considered nationally to be one of the weaker teams in the division despite an eventful offseason, but looking deeper into the strengths and weaknesses of the entire American League presents a different story of what could unfold in this year.

There’s no doubt that winning the AL East is a long shot for the Sox. This offseason the Toronto Blue Jays added Melky Cabrera in free agency, while trading for R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, and Jose Reyes to add speed to a powerful lineup and back it with a talented, veteran pitching staff. Toronto has waited long enough to become relevant in the East, and they’re putting all their chips in on 2013 being the year they turn their franchise around. Continue reading Despite AL East Hype, Red Sox Good Bet for 2013 Postseason »