Official writer for RedSox.com (and fan of Over The Monster) Ian Browne recently predicted the Red Sox roster, citing Dustin Pedroia as 2008's lead-off man.
Here's how he thinks the lineup will break down:
Pedroia, 2b
Youkilis, 1b
Ortiz, dh
Ramirez, lf
Lowell, 3b
Drew, rf
Varitek, c
Ellsbury, cf
Lugo, ss
Youkilis, 1b
Ortiz, dh
Ramirez, lf
Lowell, 3b
Drew, rf
Varitek, c
Ellsbury, cf
Lugo, ss
I understand not "throwing Ellsbury into the fire" but I think he earned his stripes in September and October. I think he can handle the lead-off role as soon as the season kicks off. I think he deserves it.
What is everyone else's thoughts?