Disneyworld is not the only place where dreams come true. There is another place right here in Boston where dedicated fans can relax and rejoice amongst a cast of characters. A place where fun and family reigns. Where a team comes together to spend another 180 plus days playing a game they love, with people they respect. A place where petty differences and sullen teammates do not exist. Where the starting lineup is (finally) healthy again and where there is nothing to distract them from doing their jobs and achieving their goal - another World Series trophy and ring.
The place is Fenway Park, and another season's ride begins on Monday (or Tuesday, depending on the weather). This will be the first year in a long time where the Sox will play the season opener at home - and the Fenway Faithful are ready and willing to take this journey with them.
2009 sees the Red Sox in a place they haven't been in some time, with strong pitching, healthy starters and depth in the bullpen and on the bench. Players like Big Papi, Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield and Mike Lowell are all expected to take their positions in the lineup and rotation. Curt Shilling has retired (though still has a blog on WEEI) and dare I say the name Manny Ramirez - only to say good riddance and how good it has been for the team since he was traded to the LA Dodgers - it looks like the specter of that ghost has been excised from the clubhouse.
The American League East will be fun to watch this baseball season. You have the Red Sox, Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays as the "Big Three" - the ones to watch, and believe me, people will be looking. After last season, where the Yankees' health imploded and the Red Sox lost to the Rays after a best of seven pennant race; the gauntlet has been thrown in this division.
Coming into this season, the Red Sox are still the team to beat. Terry Francona is hitting his stride as the manager, having already brought home two rings in five years. The respect the team has for him, and his baseball knowledge and expertise are something that Red Sox fans have come to terms with since the 2004 season. You may not always agree with the call, but you eventually understand the reasons behind it.
Former Tampa Bay Rays player Rocco Baldelli and Quality control coach Tim Bogar (who will take over the role of first bas coach( are welcome additions to the Red Sox team and will bring unique insight into the Rays' team as a whole.
The Yankees and Rays will each be an interesting foe for the Sox, but do not pose ht threat they may have a year ago. Boston is on its way toward one goal; the "Run for the Ring 09'."
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