Can the Boston Red Sox win the 2009 World Series?

As the 2009 Major League Baseball playoffs approach, the number one question for the Red Sox nation is simply this: Does this team, with its current roster, have a legitimate shot at winning the World Series of 2009?

Insulted

Statistically near the top of the MLB runs scored category, the Red Sox dramatically improved their offense at the trade deadline by adding former star catcher / first baseman Victor Martinez and .300+ hitter Casey Kotchman. David Oritz’s resurgence (.827 after the All-Star OPS) makes the lineup a legitimate threat to 1-8 hitters, with the only advantage being the SS position. (assuming Víctor Martínez starts behind the plate). No, scoring runs will not be a problem for Boston. But can they prevent opponents from doing the same?

Pitching

Beckett and Lester’s one-two rotational hit fits well with any other team in the majors. After that, things get tough. Will Wakefield be the third starter or will rookie Clay Buchholz be? And will either of them be effective enough to match the other American League teams in back-half playoff rotations?

The bullpen is also a question mark. While the club still has the best bullpen ERA in the American League, it has seen recent declines in production from many of its key contributors. Will the bullpen, once considered the team’s greatest strength, the postseason bane of the Red Sox?

First round

In the first round Boston will face the Los Angeles Angels (LAA). LAA will have the advantage of playing at home in this five-game series. For the season, Boston is just 4-5 against the Angels. One point of concern is the division between home and road. LAA won four of six games at home. Throughout the 2009 season, Boston is below .500 on the road.

Obviously, the Red Sox need to beat the Angels to have any hope of the World Series title. From there, they would need to win the ALCS and then defeat the National League champions. Can they win their third title in six seasons? We’ll find out soon enough. The MLB Playoffs are scheduled to begin in early October.