The 2005 Rivalry: Who's Hotter?
By The Soxologist
The 2004 season was the greatest in the Red Sox long history. This off- season, in my opinion, was also one of their greatest. If you break down the 2004 lineup (factoring in injuries) and the projected 2005 lineup, there is no doubt in my mind that the 2005 lineup will be better offensively, defensively, and pitching (in terms of statistics) than the 2004 Sox, even though it may not initially appear that way. But as we all know in Boston everything is not always what it appears. This may sound crazy to some people, but the projected 2005 Red Sox have as good a chance as any team to make it to the World Series. Even with the losses of Pedro, D Lowe and Nomar/Cabrera, the Red Sox have made the right moves to compensate. Have the Yankees made the right moves?
The Yankees only had two major losses: J. Vasquez and STEROIDS (you cannot overlook the effect that the steroid controversy will have on Giambi and Sheffield). This off season, like so many others, the Yankees added players whose contracts are comparative to the Devil Rays’ entire payroll. (That may be an exaggeration but it definitely seems that way.) The additions of Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright, Tony Womack, Tino Martinez, and the Big Unit appear to be moves that were suitable to the Yankees’ needs. Who really had the hotter stove and made the appropriate changes that will make them the better team in 2005? Here is my prophecy:
Red Sox v. Yankee Players in 2005
Catcher: J. Varitek v. J. Posada
Advantage: J. Varitek: Their stats are a wash, but Varitek has superior leadership qualities
1st Base: K. Millar v. T. Martinez
Advantage: T. Martinez: They are comparable offensively, but Millar is a defensive liability
2nd Base: M. Bellhorn v. T. Womack
Advantage: M. Bellhorn: Bellhorn is a better hitter and isn’t as bad defensively as everyone thinks
3rd Base:
B. Mueller v. A. Rodriguez
Advantage: A-Rod: A-Rod is a superior hitter and is a great defensive 3rd basemen
Shortstop: E. Renteria v. D. Jeter
Advantage: D. Jeter: Jeter has a slight edge in every offensive category. Renteria is a great fielder but Jeter can hold his own.
Left Field: M. Ramirez v. H. Matsui
Advantage: M. Ramirez: Manny is an incredible all-around hitter. He will have his moments in the field, but so will Matsui
Center Field: J. Damon v. B. Williams J.
Advantage: J. Damon: Damon is a slightly better in the field and at the plate
Right Field: T. Nixon v. G. Sheffield
Advantage: G. Sheffield: Sheffield is a 5-Tool player and T. Nixon is a great player but it is hard to compete with someone who’s likely on steroids
Designated Hitter: D. Ortiz v. J. Giambi D.
Advantage: Ortiz: Big Papi is a great power threat and Giambi hasn’t played well, consistently in the last season and a half.
Starter #1: C. Schilling v. R. Johnson
Advantage: C. Schilling: Schilling gets the nod because of his toughness and experience in a city where the fan and media pressure is indescribable.
Starter #2: D. Wells v. M. Mussina
Advanage: M. Mussina: Moose has better numbers and Boomer is injury prone.
Starter #3: M. Clement v. C. Pavano
Advantage: M. Clement: Clement knows the pressure to win from his time with the Cubs and Pavano could be a One-Year Wonder.
Starter #4: T. Wakefield v. J. Wright
Advantage: T. Wakefield: Wakefield is a proven pitcher that is durable and versatile. Even though Wright had better stats last season he could also be a One-Year Wonder
Starter #5: B. Arroyo K. v. Brown
Advantage: K. Brown: If healthy and still-a-Yankee, Brown could be a #1 pitcher when on his game. No one knows whether Arroyo can pitch consistently for an entire season.
Starter #6: W. Miller v. ?
The Yankees have no depth in the starting rotation but if W. Miller is healthy, then the Red Sox could be in great shape.
Setup #1: M. Mantei v. T. Gordon
Advantage: T. Gordon: Flash is a proven setup guy and has closer stuff.
Setup #2: M. Timlin v. P. Quantrill
Advantage: M. Timlin: Throws strikes and can get a big out when necessary.
Closer: K. Foulke M. v. Rivera
Advantage: M. Rivera: Hall of Fame closer that has faltered in recent years and is still one of the most dominant closers in the game
Primary Pinch Hitter: J. Payton v. R. Sierra
Advantage: R. Sierra: Sierra has more experience and is more consistent. Payton is a question mark off the bench.
