Summary of 2005:

After finally breaking Babe Ruth’s 86-year curse, not to mention making one of the most miraculous comebacks in baseball history vs. the Yankees, the Boston Red Sox began the 2005 season hoping that their good fortune would continue. Even though Curt Schilling’s ankle was not 100%, the plan for 2005 began with the addition of newly acquired pitchers David Wells and Matt Clement to the starting rotation. But from the start of the season, it was obvious Schilling’s ankle wouldn’t cooperate, as he started just 3 games before the All-Star break. Fortunately for Red Sox fans, no one was running away with the AL East yet.

It wasn’t hard for Boston to stay in the hunt for another AL East title, especially with the lethal 1-2 offensive punch of Manny Ramieriz (.292 45 144) and David Ortiz (.300 47148) providing the bulk of the annotation. Outfielder Johnny Damon (.316 10 75) continued his impressive performance as the Red Sox’ leadoff hitter, while Trott Nixon (.275 13 67) and catcher Jason Varitek (.281 22 70) returned another season with impressive offensive numbers. .

Starting pitching learned to live without Schilling with David Wells (15 7 4.45) putting together a decent season. Pitchers Matt Clement (13 6 4.57) and Tim Wakefield (16 7 4.15) also stepped up their game to keep the Red Sox and Yankees neck-and-neck until the final series of the weekend at Fenway. The Yankees won the season finale two games to one, leaving the Red Sox to face the Chicago White Sox in the Division Series. Unfortunately for the Red Sox, 2005 ended with a quick exit from the postseason as they were swept three games to nil, losing Game 3 at Fenway 5-3 to the White Sox.

Moving out of season:

The chaos created by the initial departure of general manager Theo Epstein proved to be beneficial for the Yankees, who were able to trap free agent All-Star centerfielder Johnny Damon under the Red Sox’s nose. Boston struck back days later by completing a seven-man contract with the Marlins scoring third baseman Mike Lowell (.236 8 58), starting pitcher Josh Beckett (15-8 3.37) and pitcher Guillermo Mota (2-2 4.70). Mota was later used to acquire outfielder Coco Crisp (.300 16 69 16 SB), who will be used to replace Damon in center field. Also picked up in the Crisp trade was reliever David Riske (3-4 3.10).

Other notable offseason moves included trading Doug Mirabelli to the Padres for second baseman Mark Loretta (.280 3 38), as well as sending infielder Edgar Renteria to the Braves for cash along with 3B Andy Marte. Additional moves included the Red Sox avoiding arbitration with infielder Tony Graffanino (.309 7 38), as well as adding pitcher Julian Tavarez (2-3 3.43) and outfielder JT Snow (.275 4 40).

2006 analysis:

Expect Boston’s starting pitching to be stronger than it was last year with the addition of Josh Beckett and the early rebounding of Schilling. The Red Sox are also hoping Wells will be more comfortable as the third vs. 1 starter, a role he was forced to assume when Schilling couldn’t recover from his 2004 ankle injury. The bullpen is improved with the addition of Tavarez and Riske. Expect Mike Timlin (7-3 2.24), Keith Foulke (5-5 5.91 15 saves), Jonathan Papelbon (3-1 2.65) and Bronson Arroyo (14-10 4.51) to pick up right where they left off last year.

Boston took it hard to lose Johnny Damon, as his production and leadership will be missed, but Crisp is a young player with plenty of speed. Crisp posted career-highs last year in runs (86), hits (178) and home runs, and the Red Sox are counting on him to do even more to fill the void left by Damon. He also expects Manny Ramieriz to be on the opening day roster, since rumors of him going to the Orioles or Mets in some mega multi-team deal seem to be nothing more than him fodder to sell newspapers. Few teams can handle Manny’s contract, and the Red Sox seem unwilling to offer financial relief to any team that has shown interest in acquiring him.