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IMO the RS have built a pretty good offense. The additions of Lugo and Drew in that regard are positives. And while the RS lost the sure hands of Gonzalez, they improved their OF defense with Drew. And while Lugo will make more errors, he will believe it or not make a few plays that Gonzo wouldn't have. On balance these were good moves, not accounting for the payroll expense and duration of the contracts.

Crisp will need to have a rebound year, CW suggest he will. This is kind of key in my mind. Lowell is probably about what we saw last year and in the lower third of the order that's not bad. The elephant in the room is Varitek. So much evidence suggests we now have an aging catcher that can't lay off or hit high heat. Catchers aren't traditional offense generators. Part of what makes extrordinary offense is getting production from non-traditional positions (SS, 2B and C). The 9 hitter is the 9 hitter and too much worry is made about Pedroia. If the other 8 carry the load, we can get by if the kid is far from advertised but hits .250 with a .325 OBP.

The RS will need to score about 875 - 900 runs to be a contender, that this line-up can do. There is a decent bench and Drew will not only contribute but will also protect Manny (something that has been lacking since Ortiz went to the 3 slot in early 2004).

The issue is of course the much discussed bullpen and those last 9-12 outs in every game. The closer in an obvious focus because for all Theo prides himself on being a non-linear thinker, players and managers are linear in their thinking and bullpens thrive on roles. But the issues are much deeper than a closer. Talent aside the RS need find roles that their players can thrive in and right now that is a mirky picture indeed. Relievers don't have the luxury of knowing what day they'll pitch but historically they have done better when they at least know the game situation.

If the rotation is close to outside expectations (RS Nation's are of course sky high) and the bullpen can be a top 50% of baseball crew, there is enough offense. If the bullpen sucks, the 2003 RS offense couldn't cover that up in the 2007 AL. After all, the AL is way stronger than it was in 2003 when the RS rode decent starting pitching, a horrid BP and the most prolific offense since '27 NYY to a WC berth. That crew in this year's AL never makes the playoffs IMO.

It's the bullpen Theo!

Just my take.