As the 2009 Major League Baseball playoffs approach, the number one question for Red Sox Nation is simply this: Does this team, with its current roster, have a legitimate shot at winning the World Series of Red Sox? 2009?
Insulted
Statistically near the top of MLB’s runs scored category, the Red Sox significantly upgraded their offense at the trade deadline by adding former All-Star catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez and .300+ hitter Casey Kotchman. The resurgence of David Oritz (.827 OPS post-All-Star) makes the lineup a legitimate 1-8 hitter threat, and the only relaxation is the SS position. (assuming Víctor Martínez starts behind the plate). No, scoring runs won’t be a problem for Boston. But can they stop their opponents from doing the same?
Pitching
Beckett and Lester’s one-two rotation punch pairs well with every other team in the majors. After that, things get ugly. Will Wakefield be the third starter or is it emerging rookie Clay Buchholz? And will he be effective enough to match up with the second-half playoff rotations of the other AL teams?
The bullpen is also a question mark. While the club still has the best bullpen ERA in the American League, it has seen recent declines in production from many of its key contributors. Will the bullpen, once considered the team’s greatest strength, be the undoing of the Red Sox postseason?
First round
In the first round, Boston will face the Los Angeles Angels (LAA). LAA will have home field advantage in this five-game series. For the season, Boston is just 4-5 against the Angels. One point of concern is the home/road divide. LAA won four of six games at home. For the entire 2009 season, Boston is under .500 on the road.
Obviously, the Red Sox need to beat the Angels to have any hope of a World Series title. From there, they would have to win the American League Championship Series, and then defeat the National League champions. Can they win their third title in six seasons? We will find out very soon. The MLB Playoffs are scheduled to begin in early October.