'08 RAPs: Boston Red Sox

While I will never criticize Theo Epstein, I must say that I am not a big fan of his off-season lack of action. Right now, without Curt Schilling, the Sox rotation is looking pretty weak. It will take a tremendous season from Daisuke to get the Sox anywhere near a repeat championship. Unless of course, Ultra-GM Theo Epstein can make a deadline move for a Sabathia, Kazmir, or Gil Meche.
Anyway, here's the off-season rundown:
-Acquired pitcher David Aardsma from the Chicago White Sox for pitchers Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich.
-Signed fist baseman Sean Casey to a one-year contract
-Signed pitcher Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal.
-Signed infielder Junior Spivey to a minor league deal.

Pitching Staff:
SP1: Josh Beckett
SP2: Daisuke Matsuzaka
SP3: Tim Wakefield
SP4: Clay Buchholtz
SP5: Jon Lester/Julian Tavarez
CL: Johnathan Paplebon
SUM: Hideki Okajima/Mike Timlin/Manny Delcarmen

Field:
DH: David Ortiz
C: Jason Varitek
1B: Kevin Youkilis
2B: Dustin Pedroia
SS: Julio Lugo
3B: Mike Lowell
LF: Manny Ramirez
CF: Jacoby Ellsbury/Coco Crisp
RF: J.D. Drew

Predictions:
Easiest- Boston will repeat as AL East Champions.
Boldest- Boston will not win 90 games this season.
Team MVP- Theo Epstein (Will acquire a star pitcher; probably Sabathia)
Best Season/Best Hitter- Manny Ramirez (40-45 HRs, 120-130 RBIs; contract year)
Best Pitcher- Josh Beckett (15-19 wins, sub-4 ERA, 225-250 K's)
Breakout Player- Daisuke Matsuzaka (14-18 wins, sub-4 ERA)