2009 MLB Team Preview: Boston

Youkilis is one of the most underrated players in the majors. He hit 29 HRs last season (13 above his personal best). Is not a graceful defender, but seldom losses an assignment.

The 2007 ROY and 2008 MVP is, simply put it, the best 2B in the league. Pedroia's speed, range, release, instincts, bat speed and pulling ability makes him one of the best players in the majors regardless of position.

His role is unclear with Julio Lugo still in town but he could post Dustin Pedroia like stats with less power if given everyday at bats.

No sure thing to earn everyday job with promising Lowrie expected to get most of the starts. He can steal 20+ bags but his value is limited by the platoon.

He may be overvalued on draft day coming off a career year. (.312-29-115-91) The Greek God of Walks has position flexibility (1B/3B) as an added bonus as he played 36 games at 3B. Hitting in the middle of the loaded Red Sox lineup should keep him amongst the top ten 3B on draft day.

He's expected to heal fully from October hip surgery. His career-best 2007 season included a .324 with 120 RBI but 2008 was not even close. He hit only .225 with four home runs after the All-Star break. The 35-year-old is clearly on the decline and likely to be overvalued on draft day because he hits in a loaded Red Sox lineup. A 20 HR season is not impossible but he's likely to miss a lot of time with a few DL stints.

Varitek continues to decline and his .220 batting average in 2008 could be a sign that this is his last season in the majors. He turns 37 soon after opening day but his power potential could make him worth drafting if proves to be healthy in spring training.

Bard could bounce back from an injury-plagued 2008 (sprained ankle and a strained elbow). With Boston, he serves as Tim Wakefield's caddy but his starts will be limited. He'll need a Varitek injury in order to be fantasy worthy.

Coming up strong after a sub par 2007 season, Bay was a solid source of power for the Pirates and later the Red Sox as well. 290 30 100 is a lock this year

Boston's speed merchant of death will surpass his 21st overall ranking if he hits leadoff. If he hits 9th then he won't. The ultimate risk/reward pick

J.D. Drew is already complaining of a balky back that may put him farther down the list. For now he makes it for being in the Red Sox lineup.

Big Papi was a disappointment in 2008 which marked his second straight injury-plagued season. He played only 109 games due to a partially torn tendon in his left wrist, but all reports are that he should be healthy by spring training. His .264 batting average and 23 homers are average at best and at age 33 the decline appears to be starting. He still hits cleanup for one of the most explosive offenses in baseball so if healthy, he could be a bargain on draft day.

The Red Sox figure to use him against most lefties, with Drew and Jacoby Ellsbury alternating off days and he'll most likely play DH if Big Papi misses any time with his ailing wrist. In spring training 2008, the 27-year-old outfielder learned he had a disorder that slows muscle recovery and causes fatigue. Baldelli is talented enough to start and has 20-20 potential if given a chance to get regular at bats but that is unlikely unless the Red Sox suffer an injury in the outfield.

Beckett was slowed by injury in the first half of the season but is another potential number one starter at a number two price.

Some have deemed Lester as MLB's best lefthander outside of Johan Santana. I believe that 2009 will go a long ways in us knowing for sure.

The Red Sox 100 million dollar import sure lived up to his considerable expense last season. He gives up a high amount of walks but only gave up 12 homers last season.

Coming off another shoulder surgery, Smoltz can be a huge upside pick for fantasy owners come June of this year for the stretch run.

2008 was a wasted season for Penny who comes off a myriad of injuries but has a great chance to rebound in a packed Sox lineup.

This 41 year old knuckleballer seems ageless and if he can hold off John Smoltz for a rotation spot in June, will be effective once again.

The numbers tell the story here: a career high 41 saves in 2008, ten SO/9 ratio, and batters only hit .223 (increase from 2007's .146). He could be overrated, but numbers merit this slot.