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Here we go. The Boston Red Sox open up the season today against the reigning American League Champion Texas Rangers. Both teams have a new look to them. We all know how the Sox reloaded. The Rangers lost their ace in the hole, Cliff Lee, to the Phillies. Also, with the Sox signing of Adrian Gonzalez, the Rangers tied up former Sock, third baseman Adrian Beltre.
Today's match up features two tough lefties. My AL Cy Young prediction, Jon Lester, gets the ball for the hometown BoSox, as CJ Wilson will take the hill for his first career opening day start. CJ Wilson was 3-0 against the Sox last season with an ERA below one. Wilson is a young pitcher with great stuff. Pitching behind Cliff Lee, Wilson picked up a ton of good habits. I expect Wilson to have a solid season, hopefully no so well today. He is on my fantasy team so he can rack up a ton of K's just don't get the W.
The hot topic this spring was how Terry Francona would handle this star-studded line-up. Would Jacoby lead off? Who would hit three? Who would hit clean-up? Would Varitek get his 11th opening day start for the Red Sox? With Wilson going for the Rangers, a tough lefty, J.D Drew gets opening day off. Here's what todays line-up looks like
1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. Carl Crawford LF
4. Kevin Youkilis 3B
5. Adrian Gonzalez 1B
6. David Ortiz DH
7. Mike Cameron RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
9. Marco Scutaro SS
Jon Lester SP
Youk gets the four hole with a lefty on the mound, and Cameron gets the start in right. I would really like to see A-Gon hitting three or four. He is the best hitter on our team and he needs to get as many at-bats as possible. Kevin Youkilis is no slouch though, and this line-up is deadly. I am excited to get this season started. T-minus 2 hours and 45 minutes til first pitch.
Red Sox predictions to follow.
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