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Boston Red Sox
By Lonny Krasnow, CNNSI.com After the train wreck that was the 2001 season, the Boston Red Sox have adopted a new slogan: "New Team, New Attitude." The makeover began in December when general manager Dan Duquette unloaded clubhouse cancer Carl Everett and parted ways with unhappy veterans Dante Bichette, Mike Lansing, Darren Lewis, Troy O'Leary and John Valentin. Duquette then signed right-handers John Burkett and Dustin Hermanson, claimed first baseman Tony Clark, and acquired leadoff hitter Johnny Damon. Whether the Duke is around to see the fruits of his labor is another matter, which will likely be addressed once the sale of the team is closed. Word is new team president Larry Lucchino is looking at candidates to replace Duquette and manager Joe Kerrigan. Regardless, the key to Boston's success in 2002 will be the health of the big three -- Nomar Garciaparra, Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez. Garciparra, who missed 141 games last season with a tendon problem with his right wrist, is nearly back to full strength. Pedro reported early to camp in great shape with plans to "shoulder" the load in 2002. Physically, there was nothing seriously wrong with Ramirez, but he seemed to tank in the second half (.259 avg., 15 HR, 41 RBIs) as the club disintegrated. The hope is that improved clubhouse chemistry will translate to a more productive Manny. Also returning from injury is catcher Jason Varitek, who was on the verge of a breakout season before he went down with a broken elbow last summer. If Varitek, Garciaparra, Martinez are in the Opening Day lineup, it will mark the first time that trio will have appeared in the same game since Sept. 26, 2000. The outfield is set with Ramirez in left, Damon in center and Trot Nixon in right. Nixon is coming off a breakthrough season (.280-27-88) in which he was named the team MVP. If Rickey Henderson makes the club, he will spell Ramirez in left and help Damon improve his leadoff skills. The infield is not quite as glamorous. Tony Clark and Brian Daubauch will platoon at first base, Jose Offerman should hang on to his job at second, Garciaparra at shortstop, and Shea Hillenbrand at third base. The rotation looks like Martinez, Hermanson, Burkett, Derek Lowe and Frank Castillo. With a strong spring, Rolando Arrojo, Darren Oliver or Tim Wakefield could challenge for a spot, especially if Lowe has trouble making the transition from reliever to starter. The Sox have the end game covered with Rich "El Guapo" Garces setting up Ugueth Urbina. Up for grabs: The defensively challenged Offerman could be a $6 million benchwarmer if can't get his act together. The second base job is his to lose, and non-roster invitees Carlos Baerga and Quilvio Veras are both hungry for playing time. What year is this, anyway? Fan-favorite Lou Merloni is also in the mix. Spring chicken: Don't look for any rookie of the year candidates in Boston. Korean pitcher Seung Song is the best of a poor lot of prospects. Song, like Asian imports Jin Ho Cho and Tomo Ohka, dominated at Class (8-4, 1.90 ERA) and could make it to the big leagues by the end of the year. He has outstanding control and a deceptive Nomo-like delivery.
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