All In

With the blockbuster additions of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford as well as the return to health of incumbent stars such as Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis, GM Theo Epstein may very well have crafted the finest Red Sox club in team history. 

In the wake of Red Sox GM Theo Epstein inking both Jacoby Ellsbury and Jonathan Papelbon to one-year-deals just a few days ago, not only does the Brookline whiz kid continue his admirable streak of never having sent a player to arbitration during his tenure, but more importantly, it appears Epstein has finally placed the finishing touches on his 2011 roster.

In a jaw-dropping offseason in which the Sox shocked the world by acquiring two of the game's best players via trade (Adrian Gonzalez) and free agency (Carl Crawford), Sox fans no longer have to worry about what position Kevin Youkilis will be playing this season and who's starting in left field, but instead how we are possibly going to kill 23 more days until pitchers and catchers officially report to Spring Training in Fort Myers, Florida.

So, with our Boston sports egos freshly bruised and battered following the Patriots pathetically early playoff exit at the hands of the hated Jets less than a week ago, here's a position-by-position rundown of the 2011 Red Sox that will surely restore your confidence and invigorate your now meaningless Sundays with hope and reason to persevere.

First Base: No brainer here. After trading away the farm to acquire Gonzalez, the former sweet swinging Padre will no doubt be handling the first base duties when he's not wearing out the Monster and driving in 100+ runs. Brace yourselves: A-Gon is going to spoil us like we've never seen before.

Second Base: After missing much of last season with a fractured bone in his foot (ironically Tom Brady just had surgery to repair the same injury), fan favorite Dustin Pedroia is back at full strength and primed to make up for lost time. On a team filled with stars, Pedroia is about to remind us all that his still shines brightest.

Limited to just 75 games in 2010, Dustin Pedroia is finally healthy and ready to go in 2011.

Shortstop: This will be one position to watch closely during Spring Training. Despite grumblings from Epstein that Jed Lowrie has a shot to win the position, Manager Terry Francona reiterated just yesterday that Marco Scutaro is his starting shortstop. Fine by me. Scutaro plays slightly above average defense and handles the bat well, hitting for average with a high on-base percentage. Plus, he's a gamer and you can't have enough guys like that on your team.

Third Base: Despite coming up through the Sox system as a third baseman, Kevin Youkilis hasn't manned the hot corner in a few years after transforming himself into a Gold Glove first baseman. While his versatility makes him valuable, Youk should take some comfort in the fact that, after the addition of Gonzalez, he'll be playing his natural position again for many years to come.

Outfield: With newcomer Carl Crawford a lock to start in left field, Jacoby Ellsbury shifts back to center (his natural position), while J.D. Drew begins what is sure to be his final year in right field. Watching Crawford and Ellsbury together should be fun, not only on the basepaths but in the outfield as well. Their combination of speed and instincts should turn countless bloopers and gap shots into outs instead of hits, giving the Sox a great defensive advantage.

Catcher: If the Sox have one positional weakness it's behind the plate. While Jason Varitek has agreed to return in a back-up/mentoring role, the Sox have put enormous faith in Jarrod Saltalamacchia, anointing him the starter despite his youth and inexperience. Should he struggle, don't be surprised if the Sox give 23-year-old Ryan Lavarnway a shot behind the dish. Sure, he's still in AA but after hitting 43 homers and knocking in 189 runs the past two seasons in the minors, the 6'4'', 225 lb backstop may have a bat too powerful to deny. Especially if Saltalamacchia and Varitek are hitting in the .230s.

Remember the name: Ryan Lavarnway. 

Designated Hitter: Once again, David Ortiz returns in his familiar DH role. He should benefit from being dropped down in the order, taking lots of pressure off him to be the man, instead just being one of several heavy hitters. Look for Papi to put up a huge year as long as he doesn't slump early.

Bench: Mike Cameron returns healthy and motivated and should see a lot of at bats against lefthanders, spelling Ellsbury in center and Drew in right, especially as a late-game defensive replacement. Due to his versatility and flare for the dramatic, Darnell McDonald looks like the fifth outfielder (the Sox want promising prospect Ryan Kalish to play everyday in Pawtucket so he can take over for Drew at season's end). In the infield, Lowrie appears to be the super-sub, with the ability to play all four infield positions. In addition, his switch-hitting should have him in the lineup most everyday, especially with Scutaro and Pedroia coming off injuries that should require them to take a day off here and there.

Likely Lineup
1. Ellsbury CF
2. Pedroia 2B
3. Crawford LF
4. Gonzalez 1B
5. Youkilis 3B
6. Ortiz DH
7. Drew RF
8. Saltalamacchia C
9. Scutaro SS

Starting Rotation: Jon Lester takes over as the unquestioned Ace, with Clay Buchholz locking in the #2 slot after a dominating 2010 that saw him go 17-7 with a 2.33 ERA. After struggling mightily last season, look for Josh Beckett to bounce back as he has much to prove, most notably that last year was a fluke. John Lackey is the #4 starter. While most clubs would love Lackey in that spot, the fact that he's absurdly overpaid (due $15 million in 2011) and gives up hits like they're going out of style makes it hard for Sox fans to embrace him. Dice-K returns to round out the rotation at least for now but could find himself traded at some point during the year.

Bullpen: Enjoy Papelbon while you can because after signing a one year deal for $12 million, it appears Pap will walk after this season. But not to worry, with flame-throwing set up men Daniel Bard and Bobby Jenks in the fold the Sox have surrounded themselves with options for the closer role should Papelbon falter again like he did last season. Dan Wheeler will take over in the 6th/7th inning role, acting as a reliable bridge between the starters to Bard/Jenks/Papelbon. And yes, 44-year-old Tim Wakefield is back in a long-reliever/spot starter-type role. The one remaining open roster spot appears to be for the lefthanded reliever role. Look for a spirited battle in Spring Training between Hideki Okajima, Rich Hill and Andrew Miller. Scott Atchison and Matt Albers provide depth as well. Unlike last season, the bullpen appears to be a position of strength, at least on paper.

So there you have it. As if dividing your attention between the Bruins and Celtics wasn't hard enough, get ready to catch Red Sox fever once mid-February rolls around. Hopefully by then most of us will be at least partially recovered from the Patriots' tragic defeat.