2005 Red Sox or 2006 Red Sox

[Mariano_Rivera]

have they improved or the opposite

[Mike D.]

have they improved or the opposite

I'd say better.

They added Josh Beckett, a huge boost to the rotation, and the bullpen is much improved.

The infield defense is better. They lose a bit of offense with Lowell and Gonzalez instead of Mueller and Renteria, but improve defensively (especially at SS). Loretta is an offensive upgrade at 2b, and I think Youkillis/Snow is an upgrade both offensively and defensively at 1b.

They added Crisp to replace Damon, which is more or less a wash, but great for Boston long-term. They added Pena as a 4th OF, and Stern will be up and down as a backup OF. That's a serious upgrade from Payton/Kapler.

They'll get a full year from Papelbon, and guys like Hansen might be able to help this year.

Now, all that's on paper...health has a lot to do with it. Schilling and Fouke are the keys, as they have been the last three seasons. All indications are that they're healthy, and it wouldn't be hard for both to contribute more than last season. Wells health is a question mark, and Beckett has some durability issues (as did Pedro).

The five man rotation, if it stays healthy, is really excellent, though...look at the wins totals last year - Schilling 8 (but 21 the year before), Beckett 15, Wakefield 16, Clement 13, and Wells 15. Basically, you've got 5 guys with a good shot to win 15+ games if they stay healthy. Not many other teams can say that. Throw in Papelbon in case of an injury, and you're still looking pretty good.

So, I'd say they're better...but you never know...injuries, ineffectiveness, and trades happen. Heck, Lowell could hit .220 and be gone by May, or he could hit .290 with 30 homers....who knows!? The team is solid, though, has depth, and is set up well for the future (strong farm system).

It's going to be a fun year!

[wily]

I think that the red sox improved too...

[Williamsburg2599]

I'd say better.

They added Josh Beckett, a huge boost to the rotation, and the bullpen is much improved.

The infield defense is better. They lose a bit of offense with Lowell and Gonzalez instead of Mueller and Renteria, but improve defensively (especially at SS). Loretta is an offensive upgrade at 2b, and I think Youkillis/Snow is an upgrade both offensively and defensively at 1b.

They added Crisp to replace Damon, which is more or less a wash, but great for Boston long-term. They added Pena as a 4th OF, and Stern will be up and down as a backup OF. That's a serious upgrade from Payton/Kapler.

They'll get a full year from Papelbon, and guys like Hansen might be able to help this year.

Now, all that's on paper...health has a lot to do with it. Schilling and Fouke are the keys, as they have been the last three seasons. All indications are that they're healthy, and it wouldn't be hard for both to contribute more than last season. Wells health is a question mark, and Beckett has some durability issues (as did Pedro).

The five man rotation, if it stays healthy, is really excellent, though...look at the wins totals last year - Schilling 8 (but 21 the year before), Beckett 15, Wakefield 16, Clement 13, and Wells 15. Basically, you've got 5 guys with a good shot to win 15+ games if they stay healthy. Not many other teams can say that. Throw in Papelbon in case of an injury, and you're still looking pretty good.

So, I'd say they're better...but you never know...injuries, ineffectiveness, and trades happen. Heck, Lowell could hit .220 and be gone by May, or he could hit .290 with 30 homers....who knows!? The team is solid, though, has depth, and is set up well for the future (strong farm system).

It's going to be a fun year!

Does that mean my good ol' Pawsoxs wont be 30 games back at the all-star break again this year?

[Mike D.]

Does that mean my good ol' Pawsoxs wont be 30 games back at the all-star break again this year?

If they are, it won't be for lack of potential future major league talent. They should see Hansen, Lester, Meredith, Alvarez, Machado, Murphy and Moss in Pawtucket this year. It wouldn't be surprising if DiNardo, Stern, and others make cameos there, too.

Should be a fun year to watch the Pawsox, for sure!