David Ortiz

When people think lineup positions known for big bats and power, the first two that come to mind are first basemen and designated hitters.

As they should, since one position is not required to play defense, and the other is playing the easiest position on the field. For this reason, a first baseman in free agency with an .800 OPS is often considered a "decent piece" or a third corner IF option, while a catcher with the same hitting numbers becomes a sought-after free agent, destined for eight figure a year salaries. Position scarcity is important.

Sunday night's game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees marked the beginning of the 2010 MLB regular season.

Despite the return of Red Sox legend Pedro Martinez to throw out the first pitch, the season's inaugural game was anything but a pitchers' duel.

It didn't take long for Boston's Josh Beckett to run into trouble against the stacked Bronx Bomber lineup.

At 1 am, the Red Sox announced their 25-man Opening Day roster in an e-mail to the media. Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein made the announcement.

If you have any doubt as to the reasons this organization is successful, all you need to know is that the front office was toiling away at 1 am on Easter Sunday morning.

Every year, baseball fans all across the country do the same thing: We all make predictions. While most people just let their predictions come out vocally, I have decided to post mine on here for the entire world to see.

My goal is to come back to this article at the end of the season and see how I have done. Right now, I am predicting that at least 20 of my predictions will come true.

With the start of the 2010 MLB season fast approaching, questions remain regarding the possibility of success for the Boston Red Sox. After some major off-season acquisitions and departures, the Red Sox front office is hoping for solid contributions from their new arrivals and continued success from some of their younger members.

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David Ortiz'z struggles in 2009 are well-documented.

With an opening night showdown with the defending world series champion New York Yankees looming over Fenway Park, questions remain unanswered regarding the upcoming season. The question that has all of Red Sox nation on the edge of their seats is what kind of production will David Ortiz deliver?

In 2009, Ortiz's early season struggles took him through the 40th game of the year with a batting average under .200 and no big flies. Ortiz was unable to catch up to fastballs and adjust to breaking balls.

Over the past couple of seasons, the rapid decline of David Ortiz has been somewhat spectacular. 

Ortiz has not hit 30 or more home runs since 2007. His batting average dropped to .264 in 2008, and .238 last year. Meanwhile, his OBP dipped to an anemic .332 last season.

Well folks, it's that time of year again. Regardless of what that groundhog said, spring has sprung. MLB teams have reported to their Spring Training venues in Florida and Arizona and rosters are beginning to take shape and it is time to start making predictions.

Fort Myers, Fla. is abuzz with Red Sox fans both young and old. With so many new faces in addition to most of the core from last year, it is going to be a fun spring. Here are some things to think about as the Sox break camp this year:

The Boston Red Sox came so close but they failed to make it past the ALDS by losing to the Angels in the first round of last year’s playoffs. However, it was an up and down year for the Sox that saw them finish with a 95-67 record.