Red Sox Opening Day Line-Up Is Pretty Much Set

Multiple commentators are suggesting that yesterday's Spring Training batting order will be the one you see 27 days from now on Opening Day. Here's how John Farrell sent out the troops:

1.) Mookie Betts RF 
2.) Dustin Pedroia 2B
3.) Xander Bogaerts SS
4.) David Ortiz DH
5.) Hanley Ramirez 1B
6.) Pablo Sandoval 3B 
7.) Blake Swihart C 
8.) Rusney Castillo LF 
9.) Jackie Bradley Jr. CF

Betts has already proved he can be a dynamic force at the top of the order, and Pedroia should have multiple opportunities to move along and/or drive him in. We love Xander in the third spot—probably the best pure hitter in the lineup. Of course, Big Papi will clean up and—if Hanley really has regained his hitting stroke—the middle of the order could be lethal. And, we love JBJ as a second 'lead-off hitter' at the bottom of the order. The gap might be in the number six spot—where Sandoval went 0-2 again yesterday (in addition to committing two errors). Buckle up!