World Series Champion Red Sox Begin Their Title Defense Tonight In Seattle

The 2019 Boston Red Sox begin their defense of the 2018 World Series Championship tonight in Seattle. Staff ace Chris Sale will take to the hill for Boston—a little over four months after he tossed the final pitch of the World Series. The Red Sox lineup is likely to look like this tonight:

1) Andrew Benintendi, LF 
2) Mookie Betts, RF 
3) Rafael Devers, 3B 
4) J.D. Martinez, DH 
5) Xander Bogaerts, SS 
6) Mitch Moreland, 1B 
7) Eduardo Núñez, 2B 
8) Jackie Bradley Jr., CF 
9) Christian Vázquez, C

While The Carmine Hose will likely battle The Evil Ones all season (in pursuit of Boston's fourth straight AL East title), there are a number of troubling signs. First and foremost is the completely inadequate bullpen corps. And, with the release of veteran catcher Sandy Leon, they are relying on two youngsters to carry the full backstop load. Finally, de facto team captain Dustin Pedroia's health status remains a big question mark. All in all, it should be a great season. We predict: the first AL Wildcard, and a successful run to World Series Championship #10. Play ball!