John Farrell talks Sox lineup, Jacoby Ellsbury and Shane Victorino
As reported earlier this morning by Anthony Aidonidis the Red Sox pitching staff will report to
the Sox spring training facility in Ft. Myers ahead of
their mandated February 12th date. This has to be an encouraging sign
for newly minted manager John Farrell as the Sox attempt to turn the page on a
disappointing 2012 season.
RedSox.com is reporting that manager John Farrell is already
thinking ahead with respect to the Red Sox starting lineup. His first order of
business (ironically enough) is getting Ellsbury back into the lead-off spot.
In 2011 Ellsbury had massive success in the number one spot ending his 2011
campaign with 119 runs, 32 HR, 105 RBI and a .312 batting average. Farrell
recognizes the immediate impact Ellsbury can have in the lead-off spot.
If guys play to their abilities, I think anybody looks at Jacoby Ellsbury as a lead-off guy with that kind of ability to not only steal bases but drive the ball with some consistency, Farrell said.
Farrell did suggest that newly acquired outfielder Shane
Victorino would fluctuate within lineup throughout the year. The Sox manager agreed
that the signing of both Stephen Drew and Mike Napoli will help bring stability
to the concerns regarding the Sox lineup.
The one variation to look at is against a left-handed pitcher. You can see Victorino in the two-hole against a lefty, you can see him down in the five-, six-hole in that area [against a righty]," Farrell said. "But I think the one thing that stands out is with [Stephen] Drew's addition and now [having Mike] Napoli, it gives us that complement and that balance left and right all the way through the lineup.
As a Red Sox fan I’m beginning to believe in both the team
and Farrell himself. The Sox have made the right moves and acquired the right pieces
for this 2013 season. With Farrell at the helm and players making an honest effort the season is already off to a good start before a single pitch as been thrown.
Follow Scott Levesque on Twitter at @scottlevesque.
