Trump cards...
The Red Sox did not land a big bat this offseason, but they may get the sabermetric equivalent in a roundabout way, because on paper, Boston has a pitching staff like they have never had a pitching staff. John Lackey, the free agent ace from the west, joins established east coast ace Josh Beckett (hungry in a contract year), lefty ace John Lester, ace-in-waiting Clay Bucholtz, and ace from the far east Daisuke Matsusaka. Great pitching, good defense and Papelbon/Bard in the bullpen will take the pressure off the hitters and the offense. Pedroia & Co. don’t have to overswing trying to hit a home run every time. So, look for the Red Sox to hit better than expected in 2010. Fenway will be a test of an interesting sabermetric equation. Great pitching + great defense = better hitting? Five aces are in the hole. Bet on it. (0)