The Ted's Army crew has created a series of collectors items to write home about. To preview the 2012 Red Sox season, we have created player cards that you can collect and trade with your friends over a nice tall glass of iced tea. Sit back and enjoy part 3 of 4 of our season preview, the infield.
It is pretty clear what we think Adrian Gonzalez is going to do this season. We have already started our chants of "MVP" and have a Triple Crown party planned.
David Ortiz got his payday and will have to prove he is worthy of another. Aaron doesn't think he'll have a problem at the plate at all this season.
Pedey went on a power tear last season and we expect no decline this season. He will continue to impress and continue to flash the leather in the field.
Mike Aviles has a lot to prove and does not have the job cemented for the entire season. Sure, his numbers at the plate will far exceed anything Iglesias would put up, but Jose seems to be Valentine's favorite. A few slip-ups and we may see Iglesias in Boston.
Youk is going to deliver the usual stuff, which is great. As long as he can stay healthy and not be the problem child in the clubhouse, the Sox will get big numbers from him.
Salty put up some decent home run totals in 2011 and we don't think he is going to look back. A boost in average to go along with 15-20 homers would be just fine with us.
Kelly Shoppach is a decent back-up with a sub-par bat. Don't expect much production from him, we sure don't.
Nick Punto is going to give the Sox exactly what they got from Alex Gonzalez in 2006 and 2009. We'll see low power numbers and a lot of singles in his limited playing time.
