CBS Sports is engaging in a fascinating exercise this off-season: compiling what all 30 MLB teams would look like if they were comprised of just "homegrown" players. Here's how CBS sets it up:"What if there were no trades? No waivers, no minor- or major-league free agency? Once a player becomes a professional, he stays with his original organization for the duration of his career."
So, what would the 2011 Red Sox have looked like in this scenario? Actually, not that bad. Ellsbury (CF), Pedroia (2B), Youkilis (3B) and Hanley Ramirez (DH) top the batting order. Can you find a better 1-4 in baseball? Maybe. The balance of the lineup is "hit or miss" (no pun intended) with David Murphy (LF), Anthony Rizzo (1B), Jed Lowrie (SS), Kelly Shoppach (C) and Josh Reddick (RF).
What's really impressive is the pitching rotation: Lester (LHP), Buchholz (RHP), Masterson (RHP), Anibal Sanchez (RHP) and Carl Pavano (RHP). With Jonathan Papelbon closing out games, the balance of the 'pen is Daniel Bard, Rafael Betancourt, Frank Francisco, Kyle Weiland and Daisuke Matsuzaka. The "homegrown" bench includes Ryan Lavarnway, Lars Anderson, Freddy Sanchez and Engel Beltre. Frankly, we'd take our chances in BlackSeptember with this crew.