The 2009 Boston Red Sox are going to resemble very closely the 08 version. What the Red Sox hope is that they will have very different endings. They made some upgrades here and there, with the signing of Rocco Baldelli, and John Smoltz, but no major changes. Varitek will still be catching the pitches, though he will be spelled by newbie Josh Bard perhaps a few games more than usual. Big Papi, Pedroia, Youkilis, and Jason Bay will still be smacking the ball around the park. The real difference you might see is a bit of urgency on the part of the team. They won nothing much at all last year, and they want that to change.

The evil empire that is the New York Yankees went out and signed everyone, and spent about a billion dollars doing it. The Rays upgraded an already awesome team with the signing of Pat Burrell from the World Champion Phillies. Boston liked their chances as is for the most part. That decision will play a large role in the results of this season. Will they move up by standing pat?

The Red Sox are blessed with plenty of talent across the board. They have solid players at pretty much every single fielding position and their starting pitching and bullpen is sure to be near the top of the line as well. Jacoby Ellsbury and his development may end up being the biggest key in the whole season for the Red Sox. They need him to step up and be a powerful force on the bases. Youkilis will need to duplicate the great season of a year ago, as will Pedroia.

The starters are counting on a bounce back season from Josh Beckett. Last year was a bit of a nightmare for him mostly, and they can ill afford for him to struggle this year. A great year from Beckett will virtually guarantee that Boston will be in the mix for the playoffs. You have to figure that you will get solid work from the rest of the starters.

Here is a look at the expected lineup for the Boston Red Sox and starting rotation:

Catcher – Jason Varitek
First Base – Kevin Youkilis
Second Base – Dustin Pedroia
Third Base – Mike Lowell
Shortstop – Julio Lugo
Left Field – Jason Bay
Center Field – Jacoby Ellsbury
Right Field – J.D. Drew
DH – David Ortiz
Starting Pitchers – Josh Beckett (R) Daisuke Matsuzaka (R) Jon Lester (L) Tim Wakefield (R) Brad Penny (R)
Closer – Jonathan Papelbon (R)

Manny Ramirez is hugely important both to the success and the revenue for the Dodgers after the incredible impact he brought from Boston last year. The numbers are staggering to say the least, and the fans of Los Angeles love him like one of their own. In only 53 games, Manny batted .396 while hitting a staggering 17 home runs, and 53 RBIs over that short run that propelled the Dodgers to the NLCS. Also, Manny’s on base percentage was a rediculous .489 during those games. The numbers only tell part of the story, however.

While certainly Manny Ramirez was a huge boost to the offense for the Dodgers, the excitement about the team went through the roof. The Manny dreadlocks flew off the shelves, as well as the Manny jerseys in Dodger blue. That is not something that happens every day, especially with a player that is considered to be a problem at times. Manny came to Los Angeles and was the model ballplayer. Then the offseason began.

You had to know that Manny was going to make the Dodgers sweat a little bit. He wanted the maximum payout, and the best conditions for his contract and who could blame him? Not only did Manny get the best deal he could have, but he ended up where he belonged in the end. The Dodgers are surely glad, and from all appearances, so is Manny Ramirez.

When next offseason comes calling and Manny Ramirez is once again “testing” the free agent market, do not be surprised if the Yankees come calling. They are known for grabbing superstars for huge contracts in the twilight of their careers. Especially one like Manny. You know. Former Boston player, home run hitter, popular among the fans, and really, really expensive. It is something that the Dodger fans would be wise to consider, so that they can enjoy Manny for the year that they have him.

Hopefully, he will help them win that elusive World Series Title…Then the payday would really be great.

While certainly one can understand the business side of this issue for both, this does seem to be splitting apples and oranges here. The Dodgers are likely trying to spread out the money to make room for other players, signings, and potential business ventures. Manny wants to make sure their are no complications in two years when he wants to try to make another splash with yet another team. Manny should absolutely take this deal, as he is not likely to get a better one on the market. Most teams can not afford 45 million over two years for him. Surely he knows this, and the Dodgers do as well.

The simple compromise might be found in the details. The Dodgers could offer Ramirez some interest but with the terms still deferred over time. That seems fair to both sides but it is likely Ramirez would still nix the deal. The issue with Ramirez I believe is that he wants to be free and clear after the two year period. With lingering money being owed, it could hamper his plans for after that year. Ramirez likes to operate from a position of power. No better example of this can be found than right now.

Every single time the Dodgers put an offer on the table to Ramirez, he balks at something. I am beginning to wonder if he even wants to sign with the Dodgers. There is always that possibility that he is holding out hope for some huge deal. Maybe he is avoiding signing to get out of spring training. This scenario is very unlikely because Manny has always been a hard working player. The workings of Manny and agent Scott Boras are a mystery to everyone involved. The fact that Manny put the offer on the table back to the Dodgers for the same amount without the deferred money pretty much shows that he is trying a power play. The Dodgers would be crippling themselves potentially by committing those types of funds to one player in such a short period of time. They need flexible terms, and Manny is not exactly flexible.

Here is a thought. Just send him to the Yankees and move on. They can certainly afford him, and he would fit right in.

Manny Ramirez – Though Manny certainly infused the Dodgers with an incredible offensive explosion after coming over from Boston late in the season, he has already begun to wear out his welcome in Los Angeles with fans. The fans fell in love with Manny, and Manny with the Dodgers. Then Manny got the chance to chase the money, and now he is floundering around rather than doing the right thing and resigning with the Dodgers. Many disagree, but Manny seems to tick off every team he comes into contact with eventually. Still, he is the best free agent out there by a country mile as far as talent.

Adam Dunn – Dunn is a bit of an enigma. Nobody seems to know why he has not been signed yet, though I suspect it has to do with the money. Dunn has hit more than forty homers a year for a very long time and shows no signs of slowing down. Somebody should sign this guy quickly, as I would not want him on a division rivals team as a coach.

Orlando Hudson – Hudson is a very good second basemen that is simply trying to get the best money for the years he has left. He will almost certainly be a great signing for someone, and will be a great addition to any team he ends up with.

Bobby Abreu – Abreu is one of those players that seems to never slow down in spite of his age. Though he is entering the latter years of his career, he still produces in every category and would make a great addition to most any team. Expect Abreu to be signed in the next month, and he should make his usual strong impact on the team lucky enough to sign him.

Ben Sheets – Sheets is probably the best starting pitcher still available on the free agent market, though his inconsistency is a bit of a drawback. Still, he has top level stuff, and you get the feeling his best is still ahead of him. The dollars run high for his services, and taking a chance on Sheets will not come cheap. Sheets has something to prove to command the type of money that he is trying to get.

Though many other big names are on the free agent list such as Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and others, these are the best available free agents left. As spring training looms ever closer, expect a flurry of signings over the next month.

1. Ryan Braun – Braun absolutely exploded onto the fantasy baseball scene in 08 and he is looking to be even better in 09. Braun hit during every single part of the season, and hit with authority. This guy sprays the ball to all fields, and does so with power. For one period last year, it seemed as though he went deep virtually every single game for a month. Of course he did not, but sure seemed that way. Braun has an absolutely limitless ceiling, and should be driving your fantasy team to glory in 09 if you get the luck to draft him.

2. Nate McLouth – Much like Braun above, McLouth became a star in fantasy baseball circles last season and never really slowed down. The feeling going into 2009 is that Nate will be even better than last season. That has to be scary for National League pitchers and great news for any team lucky enough to have him on their fantasy team. McLouth can help your team in every single category, and does so with regularity.

3. Manny Ramirez – No player in history has had a better couple of months than Manny did last year with his short time with the Dodgers. He was simply a beast all the way around. Though he is getting older, Manny should maintain a solid production in 09 but to expect that pace all year is asking too much even of Manny. Still, he should be better than the majority of other options out there.

4. Carlos Beltran – Beltran is one of those guys that kind of sneaks up on your fantasy numbers. You do not realize how much he gives to your point total until he is hurt or not in the lineup. He gives you all the little things plus plenty of the big category as well. Beltran is welcome on my fantasy team any day of the week and he should be in yours too.

5. Carlos Lee – Lee is kind of a wild card pick here. There are about six or seven other players that could reasonably fit in this slot but Lee seems to be the most likely to give you great production. He also is the one most likely to explode and give you more than you expected. Carlos Lee has been a fantasy baseball star for a few years now, and is established. He should be given strong consideration when he is still on the board at your draft.

Many experts in the industry believe that Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi’s comments last summer about Dunn’s supposed lack of motivation have stuck as fact with many front offices. Throughout the process, Dunn has stayed composed and said he just wants a fair contract.

Last week, Dunn said his first preference was to play for the Cubs and Jim Hendry confirmed that his team had interest in the slugger. On Monday, the Dodgers and general manager Ned Colletti said they were interested in Dunn. A source close to Dunn said that he would choose the Dodgers over any other offer.

Of course, the Dodger’s sudden interest in Dunn could be a move to leverage a smaller contract out of Manny Ramirez. Ramirez is well aware that should the Dodgers sign Dunn, his market would almost completely evaporate. Colletti made a point to say that the team was interested in Dunn and Bobby Abreu as well as Ramirez.

Whatever the Dodgers’ motivations, the market for Dunn has suddenly sprung to life. Late Monday, word from Tampa Bay was that the Rays were considering offers to Dunn and slugger Pat Burrell to become their new designated hitter.

So it appears, despite the best efforts of leaders within the industry, that Adam Dunn will get a multiyear contract after all.

Where he eventually signs is up in the air. The Cubs are an excellent fit. Dunn can roam left field for a year until Derrick Lee’s contract expires, when he can move over to first base. The Cubs have long needed a left handed bat and someone who can get on base. Dunn would slot in nicely in the fourth or fifth spot in the order. We say the Cubs remain the favorite to sign Dunn.

The Dodgers aren’t as good a match. They have one open spot in the outfield if they bypass Ramirez, but first base is essentially blocked by James Loney. Dunn profiles best as a firstbaseman, especially as he enters his thirties.

Teams that have yet to express interest but would be good fits for Dunn include the San Francisco Giants, the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals. The Nats, with Dunn’s former general manager Jim Bowden, could desperately use a power bat like Dunn’s. The question is; will the Nationals’ ownership spend the money to make it happen.

At any rate, the market for Dunn is taking shape and the big man can be expected to sign by mid-January.

Last week, in a bout of frustration, Ramirez said he might retire if a suitable offer didn’t come in. He later retracted the comments, but he nevertheless expressed how frustrated he is by the process.

Two things are working against Ramirez: his reputation and the struggling economy.

Ramirez is one of the best hitters in the last 50 years and a future Hall of Famer. But he’s a prima dona who eventually creates drama in and out of the clubhouse. One potential match for his services, the New York Mets, was reportedly scared off by his behavior with the Red Sox last summer. Officials with the Mets said last week that they liked Manny but didn’t think he’d mesh well with their team.

Meanwhile the nationally economy is forcing teams to be more selective with their high-priced free agent signings. In short, they are offering shorter contracts so as not to tie their payroll down with a longer commitment. It’s not that teams like the Angels and Dodgers don’t like Ramirez, but they aren’t willing to give him a long-term contract.

This week, rumblings out of New York suggested that the Yankees may make a pitch for Ramirez. This is agent Scott Boras’ dream scenario, because then he could play the Yankees’ interest off against the Dodgers and Angels. It’s difficult to know if the Yankees are serious in their pursuit. They have already spent $240 million this winter and even the mighty Yankees don’t have a limitless budget.

Over the next couple weeks, look for the Manny market to heat up. The Dodgers and Yankees will at least make or improve their offers. If the Angels, as expected, lose Mark Teixeira, they will make a bid as well. Look for an unexpected team, like the Mets or Marlins to throw a line in the water too.

Clubhouse concerns aside, this is a special hitter that completely changes the dynamic of a lineup. In the end, look for one team to give Ramirez his fourth year and ink the slugger through 2012. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a bidding war develop between the Dodgers, Angels, Yankees and Mets. Where will he end up? As is the case with all Boras clients – whoever writes the biggest check.