Spring Training roster is set...

Finally. At long offseason last, the Nation knows what to expect. Well, kind of. There is depth at the middle of the infield, in the rotation, and even in the pen. But with every spring training, there are injuries. Throw in the World Baseball Classic in March, and you've dramatically increased that potential. So, lets talk about depth on April 3rd...

As far as non-roster invitees, check out this link in Boston.com sports:

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/

There are a few Triple-A players from other organizations who have surprisingly good numbers. However, their old teams didn't keep them for one reason or another.

One of the best internal guys is Dustin Pedroia. If Gonzalez struggles at short, Pedroia will be waiting in the wings, most likely at AAA. Because pitching is so deep this season, Baucher and Seibel (coming off Tommy John in 2004) should start things off in Pawtucket as well.

Also of note is Gabe Kapler, who by early reports will not be ready physically to play until May.

Camp questions:

Health:
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Schilling - we he be back to 2004 form? Close? He is the real key to the season...
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Foulke - did the knee surgeries cure him? Was it his head? Don't agree that the season rests on him. Papelbon would be a good sub until Hansen is ready hopefully by Aug.
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Beckett - Can he go 200 innings without blister or arm issues? We'll take 25 starts...
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Trot - supposedly in the best shape he's ever been in. Will it translate into 150 starts?
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Injuries:
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This is always a GM's nightmare. The WBC isn't helping matters for the Sox that are playing:
Varitek, Timlin, Ortiz, Manny, & Lowell...

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Other issues:
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David Wells - will Theo be able to change his mind about staying in camp? Maybe not. Be if we end up keeping him out of necessity (Schill or other injury), will he be a poison pill? Sox will get more in return if another team has an injury, but what are they looking for in return?

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Graffanino - He's #2 at second, but Sox also have Cora and Pedroia. How many utility guys will they keep? Could be a good chip if another team has an injury...

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2006 Outlook

On paper, this team is better than last years version. Why? Pitching. Probably the deepest in the majors (as of now anyway). Wells will more than likely go, but that still gives you 6 quality starters, also with Lester (supposed to be better than Papelbon) waiting in AAA. The bullpen has 8 or 9 potential solid guys, of which they only carry 6 or 7. Health is the only major concern. Schilling will be better (according to offseason reports) and Foulke can't be worse. Papelbon is a rising star. Defense will finally be an asset, especially up the middle.

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The offense will have a drop off, but not as significant as you may think. They should remain in the top 5 in runs scored. They were so far ahead of the pack the past few seasons, that even a significant drop keeps them that high.

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Pitching wins in October, bottom line. They have enough right now. Defense has been significantly upgraded. The heart of the offense remains. There's an influx of younger talent. There are many reasons to think this team can win 95 games.

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But don't get too giddy just yet. Many questions remain and hopefully can be answered in Spring Training. Health and injuries are the only stumbling blocks right now. During the season, the Jays should put pressure on both the Yanks & Sox. If Tampa finds any pitching, they could be really tough - what a good young team too. So the chance of 3 teams winning 90+ in the same division are slim. Let's hope any mid-season issues can be fixed by July 31st. In Theo we trust, again...