Time to be rational, Red Sox Nation. Boston is not a team destined for third place.

Let's be rational, Red Sox Nation. For those of you susceptible to believing the doomsday propechies of media hacks like the Boston Globe's Tony Massarotti, the sky is plunging at an astronomical speed and the Red Sox are bound for third place in the American League East. All because the Yankees have signed CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira, tying up about a half-billion dollars. As an informed and even-keeled Red Sox fan, I am not concerned about the state of the Red Sox, and neither should you.

Before you believe the myth perpetuated by the sensationalistic Boston media that the Red Sox will suddenly become a non-factor in the AL East, consider this:

1. The Yankees HAD to make drastic improvements with their starting rotation and their lineup. The Red Sox rotation and lineup is effective as is, though they could use a back-of-the-rotation starter, and though Teixeira's bat would have fit nicely into the cleanup spot. Health is the main issue for Boston. 
2. The Yankees HAD to bolster their roster via free agency because their overhyped farm system has only produced one worthwhile major leaguer - Joba Chamberlain - since Brian Cashman allegedly placed an emphasis on homegrown talent. We keep hearing about Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. We were sold oceanfront property in Tennessee with Melky Cabrera. Robinson Cano is a liability at second base, and his bat declined last season. So much for a guy destined to win multiple battling titles. Now we are listening to talk about Brett Gardner, Austin Jackson and Mark Melancon among others. When you hear a favorable report about ANY Yankees prospect, you should remain skeptical until he actually shows that he can contribute at the major league level. The track record just isn't there as it is with Boston's prospects. 
3. Sure, Sabathia and Burnett will give the Yankees more wins than, say, Darrell Rasner and Carl Pavano. Who wouldn't? However, if both free agents are able to stay off the disabled list, how they perform in October if the Yankees reach the playoffs remains a question. Sabathia does not have a good post-season track record. Burnett is not a go-to guy. He said that one of the reasons he signed with the Yankees is that he would not have to carry the rotation. Sounds like the perfect candidate to hand the ball in October, doesn't it? Chien-Ming Wang is another starter who has impressive numbers, but he seems to falter in big-game situations. Until the aforementioned three prove they can respond when it matters on a consistent basis, there is no reason to laud praise on the Yankees rotation.
4. That the Yankees will be better in 2009 than they were in 2008 is a positive for the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry. It will be like 18 playoff games in the regular season, and that is good for baseball. That intensity was missing from the rivalry last season. 

5. On paper, the Yankees are vastly better than they were last year, and I imagine that the media will anoint them the 2009 World Series champions in spring training - just like they did after the Yankees signed Jason Giambi and just like they did when the Yankees acquired Alex Rodriguez. If the last decade has taught us anything, the Yankees - and the Tigers of 2008 - are proof that championships are not won on paper. "Teams" win rings, and the Red Sox have a talented roster stocked with players who understand and thrive in their roles. The Red Sox will make some moves to improve before spring training begins, but I think the club that won 95 games in 2008 and came within one game of the World Series will be serious contenders for a World Series title in 2009.

6. Before I learned that Teixeira and his wife did not want to live in Boston - and Teixeira was not interested in playing for the Red Sox - I wanted him as a fixture at first base for the next eight years. However, since there is more to baseball than numbers alone - chemistry is important, as I mentioned in the "team concept" statement above - it is best that Boston did not invest $170 million plus over eight years for a player who would not be committed to this team.

7. Since Mike Lowell and David Ortiz appear to be heading into 2009 with reclaimed health, the Red Sox lineup will be formidable from top to bottom, aside from the yet-to-be determined catching position. Lowell and Ortiz have pride, and they are well-aware of the doubters, so I expect that both of them will be eager to prove their doubters wrong.

8. Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka have shown that they can deliver in the regular season and in October, so the Red Sox do not need a top of the rotation starter. Tim Wakefield is one of the game's best No. 5 starters, as long as he stays healthy. I am glad that Boston has not fallen into the trap of giving excessive long-term deals to starting pitchers. The thought of Ben Sheets on a two-year deal, or Kenshin Kawakami, is appealing. It would also be ideal to sign Brad Penny or John Smoltz to a one-year contract if the medical reports are favorable. Chances are, Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden will be traded in a deal to land a young catcher, or perhaps Jake Peavy. Justin Masterson will remain, and he can step in and win 12-15 games in the back of the rotation, if called upon in that role.

9. I believe that Jed Lowrie will have a breakout season at shortstop. His wrist is healed, and he will give the Red Sox a strong presence at the bottom of the order. Of course, there is a possibility he will be traded. Should Theo Epstein acquire Miguel Tejada, I hope that Lowrie remains in Boston as the utility infielder. I am comfortable with Lowrie as the starting shortstop. He is proficient on defense, and though he is now a power hitter, he drives in runs and delivers clutch hits.

10. Simply put, the Yankees will be a contender in 2009. Ditto for the Rays. However, to believe Massarotti's claim that the Red Sox are now a third place team is amusing. The rotation is among the best in baseball. The bullpen is improved. The lineup is productive as it currently stands, and it could get a boost if Theo Epstein chooses to make a deal. Sure, the Yankees are once again light years ahead of the Red Sox financially because of the new stadium, but Boston's current ownership group and front office have shown that the Red Sox can compete and even overmatch the Yankees as long as they maintain a deep and talented farm system and make wise trades and free agent signings. Some of you seem to believe that next season will be more like 2006 than 2007 for the Red Sox. Then there are those of us who are rational and understand there is a reason that baseball is a team sport consisting of a 162-game regular season before the playoffs begin.

11. That said, Merry Christmas!