Looking To The Future

Today's 7-6 loss to the Angels ended the Red Sox' 2009 season. I don't want to go into how they lost; there's plenty of that already on the 'net. It's time to look to 2010 and how the front office can improve the team for next year.

1. Hire a new hitting coach. One of the biggest problems this season was inconsistent offense from a very talented and capable lineup. This was particularly problematic on the road and against quality pitching. Championship teams hit well enough on the road to win more games than they lose. In 2007, the Red Sox had a winning road record and we know how that season ended. The two years following, they did not and, while they got to the playoffs, they didn't go as far as they'd like. The Red Sox need a fresh approach to their offensive attack, an approach that can help them succeed better away from Fenway.

2. Sign or trade for another quality starting pitcher. Felix Hernandez would be ideal, but it would take a lot of prospects and maybe some major-league talent as well to pry him away from Seattle. Roy Halladay is another option. He's older, but still one of the best pitchers in the game. I've heard Rich Harden suggested. He's an injury concern, but when he's healthy he's much better than a Penny or a Smoltz. Plus, he has had success in the AL, having been an Oakland A not too long ago.

3. Bring back Wake for half a season. Wake had a great first half, but an injury-plagued second half. He will have back surgery in the off-season. It might not be a bad idea to bring him back for help down the stretch, giving him extra tiem to recover from surgery and get his strength back.

4. Sign Jason Bay to a long-term contract. Bay has his drawbacks, such as high strikeout rate and not the world's best defense, but he's good for at least 30 HR and 100 RBI and those guys are not easy to come by, especially in this year's FA market.

5. Find a good bench bat that can stay healthy. One thing that hurt the Red Sox in the ALDS was lack of a decent bat off the bench, since Rocco Baldelli was injured. Rocco is a local boy with lots of talent and he's had a rough go of it with the channelopathy. However, they need a more durable bench bat for next year. I'm not sure who's available there. If they can find a young first or third baseman with decent pop, Lowell can be that bench bat.

6. Find a good defensive catcher to back up V-Mart. One with an arm who can throw out baserunners. I don't know who's available via trade or free agency, but the Sox need someone to help control the running game. Offer Varitek a coaching job somewhere in the system.

That's a lot of work, but the Red Sox, while they don't have the bottomless pit of money the Yanks do, have the resources to get much of this done. There are risks involved, but leaving the team as it is next year without making improvements is much riskier. They can't win every year and it may take a few years to build them back to being the team they were in 2007. Hopefully the next few years will see new leaders emerging in the clubhouse to give focus and drive to the team, the "mojo" they need to play their very best and win another championship in the not-too-distant future. Win or lose, and as disappointing and frustrating as those losses can be, the Red Sox will always be my team. It's in my blood. My great-grandfather saw the Sox win it all several times in the early 20th century and used to take my father and uncle to Fenway Park when the were little and they got to see Ted Williams play. He did not live to see them win again in 2004, as he passed away in 1992 at the age of 95. He would be happy to know that they've returned to their winning ways this decade after that 86-year drought.

LET'S GO 2010 RED SOX!!!!