Only Injuries Could Derail Boston Red Sox

Only Injuries Could Derail Boston Red Sox

Only Injuries Could Derail Boston Red Sox

Injuries hampered the Boston Red Sox in 2010 as fans were forced to watch in agony as division rivals Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees passed them. But with a key trade and several important free agent signings, Boston fans should be in for another enjoyable season in 2011.

In 2010, Boston suffered several injuries to key players. First baseman Kevin Youkilis suffered a thumb injury but still managed a . 307 batting average with 19 home runs and 62 runs batted in. If Youkilis can stay healthy he is a good bet to hit 25-30 homers and over 100 RBIs like he has done in the past.

Youkilis enters the new season with his thumb seemingly 100 percent, and Becketts velocity is back where he needs it to be as well. The team thought they had enough depth last year, but they have even better depth going into the 2011 season.

Also injured in 2010 was center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who was limited to just 18 games and 78 at bats. In 2009, Ellsbury was an elite base stealer, swiping 70 bags and in 2008 he stole 50 bases. Ellsbury also hit . 301 with 8 homers and 60 RBIs in 2009 and he is still just 27 years old, so the power numbers could still increase. Going into the spring of 2011, it looked as if the rib injury that cost him all of last season was finally behind him.

Injuries were not just limited to the batters last year as the pitchers also battled injuries and subpar seasons. It began with former ace Josh Beckett. After throwing 212 innings and winning 17 games in 2009, Beckett crashed to earth last season as injuries limited him to just 6 wins and 128 innings. A return to form is key to the teams hopes in 2011.

After coming over as a free agent from the Angels where he went 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 2009, starter John Lackey had a disappointing 2010 season. Lackey won 14 games (but lost 11) but his ERA ballooned to 4.40 and his hits allowed and walks were well above his career average numbers. Lackey has room to improve in 2011, though he did throw 215 innings in 33 starts last year.

While the trade for Gonzalez and the signing of Crawford grabbed the headlines, and rightfully so, there were a few other key signings as well. The team signed reliever Dan Wheeler, formerly of the Rays. The defection of Wheeler and Crawford from the division rival Rays depletes that team while also helping the Red Sox. Wheeler has been a solid middle reliever, averaging 57 innings with a 3.13 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP in the past three seasons, meaning he does not walk many batters or give up too many hits while coming into tough situations in the late innings. Wheeler should give Boston solid innings, bridging the gap between the starters and closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Also signed as a free agent after he was let go by the White Sox is their former closer Bobby Jenks. Jenks saved 27 games in 2010, though his ERA was a bit high at 4.44. He throws hard though and pairs with Daniel Bard to form a solid set up tandem, getting games to closer Papelbon. Along with the additions to the lineup, these key bullpen additions should help Bostons chances over the long haul of the regular season and post season.

Bobbie Barton is a fitness trainer She likes SportsFanTreasures.com and recommends you check out their info on San Francisco Giants Watch and Atlanta Braves Bedding

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