Kuzul

In most instances, a manager will focus on the opposing team’s starting pitcher when filling out his lineup card prior to a game. But that may end up being the opposite of what Boston Red Sox manage John Farrell will do when he fills his out before Boston takes the field against the New York Yankees on April 1. It appears that Farrell will put more emphasis on his starting pitcher than New York’s, who is likely to be CC Sabathia. Farrell has yet to announce who his Opening Day starter will be, but as Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston writes, all signs point to Jon Lester. Lester has started Boston’s first game the last two seasons, but is coming off a terrible season.In 2012, Lester went 9-14 in 33 starts, posting a 4.82 ERA across 205.1 innings of work. Lester, however, has had a remarkable spring. In five starts, ...

With a surplus of players who could fit the bill as a major league catcher, the Boston Red Sox find themselves in the rare position of strength heading into spring training.There haven't been any active discussions pertaining to the notion of trading a player like Jarrod Saltalamacchia as of yet, but with a strong enough spring training, the Red Sox may opt to see what they can get for the free agent-to-be.2012 was Saltalamacchia's most successful offensive campaign, with 25 home runs and 59 RBI in 121 games—104 of which were behind the plate.He unfortunately also struggles with his eye at the plate, with at least 120 strikeouts over his past two seasons and on-base percentages nowhere near .300.Even if the team does deem there to be enough reason to move him, they then need to find a team that could offer a feasible package in return.The Seattle Mariners' patience ...

Newly signed David Ross joined Ryan Lavarnway and Jarrod Saltalamacchia as Red Sox catchers, increasing the likelihood that one of the incumbents will be moved before the start of the 2013 season. Getting rid of Saltalamacchia is not only the best move the Red Sox can make, but it may also be key in helping the team improve next season. Saltalamacchia has the misfortune of being a catcher who is neither a good hitter or defender. Fans may be drawn to his occasional power, but it’s a mirage that masks his other deficiencies. Saltalamacchia hit 25 home runs last season, but there was little else he did of offensive value. His .222 batting average and .288 OBP were both well below the league averages of .255 and .320. His 1.8 oWAR was still below replacement level despite his homers. Now six years into his major league career, Saltalamacchia has a proven ...

Nearly two years ago at the trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox sent two minor league players to the Texas Rangers for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.The initial thought of many, including my own, was, "Isn't that the guy who can't throw the ball back to the pitcher?" Yes, that was him.He had only played in two major league games with the Rangers that season, spending most of the year in Triple-A. After the trade, he only played in 10 games with the Red Sox and didn't make much of an impact.Now, he's making a huge impact behind the plate in Boston.Starting the game on the bench tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays, Saltalamacchia was just looking for a shot to shine. He got that shot in the bottom of the ninth, down 2-1 with Daniel Nava on second base. Facing Rays closer Fernando Rodney, who had only let up one run ...

It's been 93 years since the Cubs played in Fenway Park. I bet they wish it was longer.  On the first night of the week without rain, Boston poured it on the Cubs starter Doug Davis with eight hits and seven runs in 3.2 innings. The barrage continue with relief pitcher Scott Maine immediately giving up a two-run bomb to Kevin Youkilis. Maine lasted one-third of an inning while giving up two home runs, five hits and three runs, all earned. Lefty reliever James Russel came on and put the fire out for three innings, allowing only two hits. If only he could have finished things up for the Cubs. Righty reliever Jeff Samardzija finished things off giving up five runs, three earned with two walks.Boston starter John Lester scuffled some, allowing 12 hits and five runs, with two walks and five K's. Scott Atchison pitched the three perfect innings ...

The "Texas Red Sox Massacre" of this past weekend was not the opening series that Red Sox fans had dreamed about since December. Buchholz surrendered almost half as many home runs as he did all of last season, Lester made it clear that he knows which month this is and Lackey's ERA is now sitting just north of 22. The bullpen wasn't much better, as every reliever pitched and only Reyes, Albers, and Jenks failed to surrender a run. Still, serious concerns at this point are unnecessary- the team is bound to win at least a game before the season is out.In all seriousness, though (opening series notwithstanding) the Red Sox look loaded. The additions of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez make the lineup borderline ridiculous, and GM Theo Epstein also significantly improved on last season's greatest weakness, the bullpen. But, as with any team, some questions linger. Here are ...

It's that time of year again. The time when managers pull out their stat sheets, turn on the computer and enjoy the smell of virtual hot dogs, peanuts and beer (okay, maybe not that). It's fantasy baseball season. My focus here today is on two players, Jed Lowrie and Jarrod Saltalamacchia of the Boston Red Sox, and what their potential fantasy impact could be in 2011. Neither are particularly leviathan in their projected fantasy outlook for next season; they aren't at the top of anyone's cheat sheet. Moreover, the pair are interesting bubble candidates; not necessarily players you should draft, but players you should certainly keep an eye on. For starters, they share a number of desirable fantasy traits. They both play in shallow positions (shortstop/second base for Lowrie, catcher for Saltalamacchia), and they both figure to be part of one of the better offenses in the game, giving them a greater chance at accumulating runs and RBI. However, there ...

The catcher position in fantasy baseball is typically thought of as a weak link, primarily due to the fact that most catchers are slow and lack power, thus limiting the ability to provide help at two of the five main statistical categories. Although catchers may not help much with stolen bases and home runs, they are a vital part of a successful team.  Joe Mauer, Brian McCann and Victor Martinez are the top three fantasy catchers this year, with Buster Posey nipping at their heels as a possible stud in waiting. If you are not fortunate enough to grab one of the top catchers, here is a list of five possible breakout catchers who can be found late in drafts.Begin Slideshow

Young players, whether they be mid-season call-ups or rookies who make the team out of spring training, tend to have a massive impact on their team's success.From players like Buster Posey and Jason Heyward to Neftali Feliz, more and more are young stars expected to produce immediately upon their arrival in the majors. Let's take a look at who we can expect to have some of the biggest impacts on their team's success in the 2011 season... Begin Slideshow

Max Ramirez is on his way to Boston, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan.The move comes after the Rangers designated the former top catching prospect for assignment in order to make room for Brandon Webb and Arthur Rhodes. Theo Epstein's interest in the young catcher have been well documented. Ramirez was the player involved in the Mike Lowell deal that was and then wasn't last offseason after Lowell failed the Rangers' physical. Ramirez, now 26 years old, was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Atlanta Braves in 2002 and has also spent time in the Cleveland Indians organization. In seven total minor league seasons, Ramirez has appeared in 563 games, making 1,989 at-bats while hitting .298/.396/.476/.872 with 72 HR and 358 RBI. However, Ramirez has struggled mightily in his two brief Major League stints in 2008 and 2010. He's just a .217/.343/.357/.699 hitter with four HR and 17 RBI ...