Threat Level: 10
Not many people saw the Red Sox winning to the World Series in 2013, but to not give Boston a threat level of a 10 would be doing the champions an injustice. They lost a key part in their 2013 run in Jacoby Ellsbury, but other than that, they are returning a fairly similar team. Their lineup is still strong and their pitching should get the job done. And Koji Uehara is nearly un-hittable in the 9th. This team may not be as good as 2013 and repeating is hard, but Boston will be in the thick of the playoff discussion when the season is coming to a close.
Major Acquisition: A.J. Pierzynski
Pierzynski does not have the best reputation as a team player, so let’s just hope he spoils any chance of a repeat for the Red Sox in 2014.
Projected Lineup
1. Daniel Nava LF
2. Shane Victorino RF
3. Dustin Pedroia 2B
4. David Ortiz DH
5. Mike Napoli 1B
6. Will Middlebrooks 3B
7. A.J. Pierzynski C
8. Xander Bogaerts SS
9. Jackie Bradley CF
Projected Starting Rotation
1. Jon Lester LHP
2. John Lackey RHP
3. Felix Doubront LHP
4. Jake Peavy RHP
5. Clay Buchholz RHP
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Closer
Koji Uehara RHP
Yankee Killer: Koji Uehara
This man has seemingly come out of nowhere to dishearten Yankee fans across the country. Uehara has not surrendered a run to the Bombers since 2010. Okay, it is 12 innings, but in those 12 innings, he has: struck out 21 batters, given up 4 hits, and HAS NOT WALKED A BATTER. Filthy. Maybe 2014 is the year the Yanks can get a run against him.
Red Sox Killer: Carlos Beltran
Beltran’s overall numbers against Boston don’t jump off the page (.276 average in 43 games), but his numbers in Fenway do. In 25 career games in Boston, Beltran has a .326 average, with 4 homers, 16 RBIs, and 19 runs scored. Should be fun seeing him do some damage this season in the Yankees’ three trips to Fenway.
When They Play The Yankees:
IN NY: 4/10-4/13, 6/27-6/29, 9/2-9/4.
IN Bos: 4/22-4/24, 8/1-8/3, 9/26-9/28 (FINAL REGULAR SEASON SERIES FOR JETER).
