2014 AL East Preview And Predictions

Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; The Boston Red Sox react after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in game six of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Red Sox won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

1) Boston Red Sox: 90-72

1- Why will this team exceed expectations?

Paul Prims from BoSox Injection: Red Sox will exceed expectations if the kids come through.  If Xander Bogaerts lives up to his billing as a stud prospect, Jackie Bradley, Jr. ends up being the answer in center field and Will Middlebrooks settles in at 3B it will make those positions set for not only this year, but the next 5-7 years.

2- Why will this team fall short of expectations?

Red Sox will fall short of expectations or regress a bit simply because things cannot go perfectly again as they did for this team last season.  They had few major injuries and all John Farrell‘s moves came up aces.  Hard to do again.  Also, if Grady Sizemore makes the team can Farrell keep Gomes, Sizemore and Nava all happy with playing time.

3- Look for the team to make (this trade)

Once the starting pitching rotation shakes out I think the Red Sox will use one of their young pitchers (either Anthony Ranaudo or Matt Barnes) in a package with other minor leaguers to get whatever they need at the July trade deadline. I feel they will hang on to their depth until then.

4- Watch out for the emergence of (prospect)

Watch out for Brandon Workman this year.  Even though he was in the majors last year, Farrell continues to say a lot of good things about him in camp.  Expect him to have a big and meaningful role this season, possibly as the fifth starter as the season progresses.  The coaching staff really seems to like him.