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Pedroia has a .320 career batting average against the Yankees.

Knowing the competition – Boston Red Sox

Pedroia has a .320 career batting average against the Yankees.

Threat Level: 7

Coming off of an historically bad collapse in 2011, the Red Sox never even got off the ground in 2012 with new manager Bobby Valentine. Although hampered with injuries throughout the season, the Red Sox fell way below expectations in 2012, leaving them in the weird position of “nobody believes in us” heading into 2013. A rare phrase to be uttered about the Red Sox, but that seems to be the case about the Sox this year. Boston did not break the bank in the offseason, but made nice moves acquiring the likes of Stephen Drew, Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, and Joel Hanrahan. Not sexy moves, but moves that will make the Red Sox more competitive in 2013. Also, it appears that Jackie Bradley, Jr., the Red Sox first round pick in 2011, is going to make the roster and perhaps even start opening day. Quite a boost for a team in flux. However, their pitching staff is filled with question marks. They need Lester and Buchholtz to have bounce back years, Dempster to be able to prove he can pitch in the AL, and Lackey to prove that he can even pitch at all. If this team does not compete this season, look no further than their pitching staff.

Projected Lineup

1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF

2. Shane Victorino RF

3. Dustin Pedroia 2B

4. Mike Napoli 1B

5. Will Middlebrooks 3B

6. Jonny Gomes DH

7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C

8. Jackie Bradley, Jr. LF

9. Jose Iglesias SS

 

*David Ortiz doubtful for start of season (sore achilles/legs).

*Stephen Drew questionable for start of season (concussion).

 

Projected Starting Rotation

1. Jon Lester LHP

2. Clay Buchholtz RHP

3. Ryan Dempster RHP

4. Felix Doubront RHP

5. John Lackey LHP

 

Closer

Joel Hanrahan RHP

 

Yankee Killer: Dustin Pedroia

This pesky little second baseman has proved to be a thorn in the Yankees side ever since he got called up from the minors in 2006, where he batted .375 (3-8) in 3 games against the Bombers. In his career against the Yankees, he has hit .320 with 8 home runs, 47 RBI’s, and 59 runs scored in 89 games. In 2011, Pedroia hit a whopping .406 with 2 home runs and 13 RBI’s in 17 games against the Yankees. He is never an easy out and don’t expect that to change in 2013.

 

Red Sox Killer: Robinson Cano

Mamma, there’s that man again. Cano is killer of another team. This time it’s the hated Red Sox. In 137 games, Cano has batted .310 with 21 home runs and 90 RBI’s. Also, just like with the Orioles, he is even more of nuisance on the road. In his career at Fenway, Cano has hit .337 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI’s in 70 games.

 

When They Play The Yankees:

IN NY: 4/1 (Opening Day), 4/3-4/4, 5/31-6/2, 9/5-9/8.

IN BOS: 7/19-7/21, 8/16-8/18, 9/13-9/15.