Who You Need to Know:
At any given time, there are 25 active players on the Red Sox Roster, and the names fluctuate from game to game. Starting pitchers rotate, and only start every 4 days or so. There are always some players on the DL (disabled list), and some players are moved back and forth between the Major Leagues and Minor Leagues based on their performance.
Here’s a little peak at some players every Red Sox fan should know this year. If you know who these guys are, you are well on your way to holding your own at in a conversation at the neighbor’s next cookout
The Pitchers:
First, the Starters
The starting pitchers do exactly what you think; they start the game. Their performance often sets up the game for a win or loss. A starter who allows too many runs will be pulled from the game early. Every once in a great while, a pitcher will pitch the entire game. Beyond the “Complete Game,” the ultimate accomplishment is the “Perfect Game” – a complete game where the pitcher doesn’t allow anyone to get on base.
The Red Sox current starting pitchers are:
- Josh Beckett (Photo by Barry Chin/Globe Staff)
Josh Beckett
Number: 19
Throws: Right
Why we like him? Josh has an incredible fast ball that is reminiscent of his heroes, Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. Complemented by his curve-ball and breaking-ball, he is a force to be reckoned with. In addition to his natural talent, he has self-confidence to spare, sometimes bordering on arrogance.Josh thrives on being the go-to pitcher for the team. He gets emotionally amped up for every start. His stellar perfomance when the game is on the line has earned him the respect of his teammates, opponents and Red Sox fans.
- Clay Buchholz (photo by BostonHerald.com)
Clay Buchholz
Number: 11
Throws: Right
Why we like him: Clay is in his sixth season with the Sox, and in the majors. He is still a young pitcher, but he has proven that he can hold his own in any starting rotation.In fact, he pitched a no-hitter against the Orioles in his second start in the Majors.Clay is also actively involved in the charities that are near and dear to Red Sox Nation, including acting as a Jimmy Fund Co-Captain. He even put his name on a wine label for charity. If you buy a bottle of his ChardonClay under the Longball Cellars brand, you’ll be supporting the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber.
- Jon Lester (Photo courtesy of BosoxInjection.com)
Jon Lester
Number: 31
Throws: Left
Why we like him? Because baseball is merely the backdrop to his life story. He debuted with the Red Sox in June 2006, and quickly chalked up a 7-2 record. Later that summer, he was diagnosed with cancer. A stunned Red Sox Nation rallied around him while he underwent treatment, and he was declared cancer-free in December.He began his comeback the following Spring, and in July he returned to his winning ways on the mound. Then, just like a Hollywood screenplay, Lester went on to earn a win in Game 4 of the World Series clinching the for the BoSox.Jon is a tall lefty who throws super fastballs, and can pick off runners at first. Sometimes he struggles to control the ball, but when he is in his stride, he is one of the best on the mound.
- Daniel Bard (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Daniel Bard
Number: 51
Throws: Right
Second, the Relievers
These guys usually take over in the middle of the game. Depending on the situation, their job is to hold onto a lead, or keep an advancing opposing team at bay, so the Sox can get back in the game. Sometimes, they are called on as specialty pitchers, pitching to just one batter to get the team out of a tight spot.
 Franklin Morales (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) |
Franklin Morales Number 46 Throws: Left Why we like him? He is a left-handed pitcher with a decent fast ball, and a talent for picking off runners at first. He joined the Sox in 2011 after a few seasons with the Colorado Rockies, and is continuing to develop as a strong pitcher out of the bullpen.
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 Mat Albers (Photo - File/Jim Davis/Globe Staff ) |
Matt Albers Number 32 Throws: Right Why we like him? Because he has a fast sinker, that makes it tough for even the best sluggers to hit a ball up in the air. In 2011, he was a key member of the bullpen, and had his best year ever. Here’s hoping he continues to strikeout batters in 2012. |
 Vicente Padilla (AP Photo/David Goldman) |
Vicente Padilla Number 44 Throws: Right Why we like him? He’s new to the Sox this year, after spending a few seasons with the Dodgers. We’ll see him pitch one or two innings at a time ahead of the closer. He has a specialty pitch, known as an “eephus pitch”. It’s an extremely slow curve ball that really throws off batters. If you know this pitch, you’ll impress any of the diehards fans around you! |
Third, The Closer
Red Sox fans set their hopes in this guy to pitch one, maybe two, fantastic innings, when the game is on the line. A good closer arrives late in the game with a powerful fast ball that gets right by tired batters, and can hold onto even a narrow lead when the opposition is in position to score.
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Alfredo Aceves Number 91 Throws: Right Why we like him? After several seasons in the Evil Empire, Aceves was traded to Boston in early 2011. This is a pitcher who’s known for his control, being able to nearly any kind of pitch in any situation. He’s just the kind of guy you want on the mound to relieve a pitcher in a tight game. In fact, he was one of the best relievers in the majors in 2011.This year, Aceves is taking on the role of a closer, and we expect big things for him! |
The Catcher: This catcher is a leader on the field, studying batters, and working with the pitcher to make the right pitch call in any situation. He keeps an eye on base runners and makes sure his fellow teammates know what the next play should be. This year our guy is:
 jarrod saltalamacchia (courtesy BostonHerald.com) |
Jarrod Saltalamacchia Number 39 Bats: Switch Throws: Right Why we like him? He had big shoes to fill in 2011, taking over as the starting catcher, a role Jason Varitek filled for years, so some growing pains were to be expected. So far, in 2012, he’s off to a strong start. We’ll rooting for him to continue to grow into his role behind home plate. |
 Kevin Youkilis (Globe Staff Photo / Matthew J. Lee) |
Kevin Youkilis Number 20 Position: 1st Bats: Right Throws: Right Why we like him? He is one of the smartest, scrappiest players in the Major Leagues. He knows how to get on-base, not by slugging away for homeruns, but by knowing when NOT to swing. He gets more than his fair share of walks.Like many SOX players, Youkilis will go the extra mile for charity too. His own charity “Youk’s Kids” supports the health and well-being of kids in a variety of ways. |
 jacoby-ellsbury |
Jacoby Ellsbury Number 2 Position: CF Bats: Left Throws: Left Why we like him? He can hit, he can run, he can catch! He finished the 2011 season with 32 homeruns, and won the Gold Glove Award for his efforts in the outfield. His athleticism is fun to watch; he makes the toughest catches look effortless.Unfortunately, he is currently on the disabled list, after jamming his shoulder in mid-April. We home to see him back in the outfield by Memorial Day. |
 Mike Aviles (Getty Images) |
Mike Aviles Number: 3 Position: SS/3B Bats: Right Throws: Right Why we like him? He’s still a little new to the SOX, arriving on scene in July, 2011. He is a solid short stop, and a strong hitter. He’s so strong, that he hit a hole into the Sports Authority sign on the Green Monster at Fenway in September 2011. |
 Dustin Pedroia (Courtesy Deadspin.com) |
Dustin Pedroia Number 15 Position: 2B Bats: Right Throws: Right Why we like him? We love him! Dustin has been called by some, including at least one teammate, “the best Major League baseball player you’ve ever seen“. He hits – a Silver Slugger winner. He fields – a Gold Glover winner, and he just plain hustles on every single play. He’s an MVP, and he brings joy to the game. |
 Adrian Gonzalez (Courtesy BostonHerald.com) |
Adrian Gonzalez Number 28 Position: 1B Bats: Left Throws: Left Why we like him? He’s a veteran player and an All Star. He joined the Sox in late 2010, and during the 2011 season he did plenty to win over Red Sox Nation, including placing 2nd in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game. |
 David Ortiz (Darren McCollester/Getty Images ) |
David Ortiz Number 34 Position: DH Bats: Left Throws: Left Why we like him? “Big Papi” is one of the most well-known players on the current roster. He’s also one of the oldest players. Red Sox fans count on him to get the big hits when the game is on line. He’s proven his hitting power over the years, with 6 seasons of 30+ homeruns, and being only the 5th player to hit more than 300 homeruns in a Red Sox uniform. |
