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The Red Sox have won 100 or more games three times in their 110-year
existence.
They will make it four in 2011. But this team has the potential to accomplish
something even bigger than winning 100 games.
The last time the Red Sox reached the 100-win mark was 1946, when they went
104-50-2 and lost the World Series to the Cardinals in seven games.
Prior to that, the Red Sox posted 101 wins in 1915 and 105 in 1912. Both
seasons ended with World Series titles.
Will the duck boats be rolling through the streets of Boston again next fall?
Bookmakers like the Red Sox’ chances. Current odds put them at 9-2 to win
the 2011 World Series. Only the Phillies, at 7-2, are bigger favorites, with
the Yankees not far behind at 5-1 shots.
Championships, of course, aren’t won in January. But championship teams are
built during the offseason, and Theo Epstein has put together a roster that
would make Branch Rickey proud.
Look at the starting lineup.
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Carl Crawford, LF
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
David Ortiz, DH
J.D. Drew, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Marco Scutaro/Jed Lowrie, SS
Speed. Power. Plate discipline. This lineup has it all. Good luck finding a
hole from 1 to 7. Saltalamacchia is a bit of a wild card, but the 25-year-old
could be ready for a breakout season. And whoever is the starting shortstop