Opening Day: Red Sox @ Yankees Preview

Opening Day is finally upon us, and it's Yankees vs Red Sox. Yet, it all feels different doesn't it? The Red Sox expectations are the lowest I can remember since the Pedro-era started (unless you're DP) and the Yankees are an old shell of themselves.

Let's first take a quick look at players who aren't playing today...

Granderson
ARod
Jeter
Ortiz
Drew
Teixeira

You add that list to the guys the Red Sox traded away near the end of last year (Gonzo, Crawford, Beckett) and you can see why it all feels different. Still, there are some reasons to be excited if you're a Red Sox fan. First off, the Yankees are feeling your pain and I could argue our future is much, much brighter. The Red Sox have some good young players either playing today (Bradley, Iglesias) or on their way (Bogaerts, Webster, ect).

For the first time in a long time I think the Red Sox actually will beat most people's expectations. I mean there is very little pressure on them, and if you believe Lester will build on his strong spring they could surprise some people.

Actually I think Lester is going to have a great outing today. Look at the Yankees lineup...

Brett Gardner, CF
Eduardo Nunez, SS
Robinson Cano, 2B
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Vernon Wells, LF
Ben Francisco, DH
Ichiro Suzuki, RF
Jayson Nix, 3B
Francisco Cervelli, C

I mean that is a lineup he should be able to handle. Even though CC is on the hill tonight the Red Sox overall haven't been that bad against him (5.22 ERA last year against Boston).

I am not going to sit here and blow what the Red Sox did this offseason, because there was a lot I didn't like, but I do think the hate has got out of hand and that the future is bright. They will surprise people this year, and it will start today.

Red Sox win 7-4
Player of the Game: Lester/Napoli
Game starts at 1:05pm

Red Sox Lineup:

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Jonny Gomes, DH
Jackie Bradley Jr., LF
Jose Iglesias, SS