Filling Out a Lineup Card: Boston Red Sox

As we get closer to opening day and managers have to figure out who is going to fill out their starting lineup, we're going to have a guest post series by Jordan who is going to give his thoughts into the batting order each team will go with this season. Currently Jordan is leaving up in Red Sox territory so it's fitting he starts with the Yankees' heated rivals. As always, let us know what you think in the comments below. Here is his first entry in the series:

Jordan says "The Smurf" should bat 6th in this potent lineup (Boston Herald)

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There has been much debate over the projected Red Sox batting order. Manager Terry Francona has difficult task ahead. With the additions of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, the batting order will look dramatic different. I would expect Tito to break up the lefties as much as possible. My predicted order:

1. Dustin Pedroia (R)
2. Carl Crawford (L)
3. Adrian Gonzalez (L)
4. Kevin Youklis (R)
5. David Ortiz (L)
6. Marco Scutaro (R)
7. J.D. Drew (L)
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (S)
9. Jacoby Ellsbury (L)

This line up gives the Red Sox the most advantages. The only back-to-back lefties are the key acquisitions that can both hit lefties. Ellsbury drops from lead off to the ninth spot in the order to create a second leadoff batter when he starts off an inning.

Some may find it odd that Scutaro is batting sixth, but he is needed there to break up Ortiz and Drew, who both can struggle against south paws. If Drew was bumped ahead of Scutaro, opponents could have a lefty come in to face Crawford through Drew. Scutaro is a better option in the sixth spot as opposed to the fourteen lettered, Saltalamacchia due to striking out less.