As the distinctive smell of pine tar fills the warm but comfortable Florida air, I can’t help but gleefully think how good a fresh season of baseball feels. I mean, what’s better than waking up every morning to pull on my khakis and sport a short sleeve Comcast SportsNet polo? What’s better than sitting here on location with the 2007 World Series champion Boston Red Sox? The answer is pure and simple, nothing!

First off, welcome back to baseball season. Sorry for my brief hiatus, but I was commiserating like the rest of you over the Pats’ blindsided loss and preparing for my trip to Florida. However, here we are again ready to dig into what should be an eventful and undoubtedly exciting 2008 campaign.

As the 2008 season slowly approaches, there are a couple of questions that present themselves at some pretty critical positions for the Sox. For instance, who will win the battle between outfielders Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury for the rights to start in center? Plus, how will the rotation configuration play out with the injury to starting pitcher Curt Schilling? I’m sure you’re as excited as I am to see how the whole charade pans out.

Last season, Ellsbury hit .353 with three long balls, 18 RBIs, 20 runs scored, nine stolen bases and a sweet .902 OPS in 116 at-bats. He exemplified clutch abilities and emitted eye-popping talent that made mouths drop all over New England. Plus, his uncanny poise in the postseason only solidified his undeniable worth and impending stardom as a center fielder in MLB. He reminds me of Cleveland Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore and as any baseball fan would know, that’s a very good thing.

On the other hand, Crisp recorded a .268 average with six home runs, 60 RBIs, 85 runs scored, 28 stolen bases and a subpar .712 OPS in 526 2007 at-bats. He proved once again to be somewhat of a disappointment for the Sox and recorded a career-high in strikeouts with 84. The pressure will be on like a mob movie vice grip this season as Crisp plays to prove his worth to the Sox and any potential takers who are willing to start him in the outfield. So, don’t be surprised if Crisp plays a bit at the beginning of the season to showcase his skill set for any potential bidders. It should be an exciting situation to monitor.

As we all know by now, Curt Schilling’s shoulder is causing quite a ruckus amongst Red Sox Nation. He is out until the All-Star break or beyond and has caused a streaming ray of unanswered questions that have begun to boil uncontrollably under the Florida sun. Of course, his injury will lead to a healthy competition amongst starting pitchers Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and good old relief pitcher Julian Tavarez.

Last season Lester notched a 4-0 recorded with 50 strikeouts and a 4.57 ERA in 63 innings. Buchholz, who is now famous for his no-hitter, posted a 3-1 record with 22 strikeouts and a nasty 1.59 ERA in 22 2/3 innings. Tavarez started 23 games last season in 34 appearances for the Sox. He posted a 7-11 record with 77 strikeouts and a 5.15 ERA in 134 2/3 innings. Three guys for two spots is always something to pay close attention to. It should be fun to watch.

So, as the sun settles on the horizon, I bid farewell until next time. As I prepare for tonight’s show, I can’t help but wonder about the excitement and looming storylines that will make the 2008 campaign another memorable year. I truly love this town!

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