Season Preview

Don't underestimate the degree of difficulty for Boston in simply getting its season off the ground. Over two weeks, the Red Sox are playing exhibition and regular-season games in three different countries: The United States, Japan and Canada. Four countries if you count California. The Sox went from Florida to Japan, then fly to California for exhibition games in Los Angeles and regular-season games in Oakland and then go to Toronto before finally opening in Boston on April 8. Video Outlook

Strengths
What's not to like? Every key piece is back from last year's World Series winners, plus center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury should be here for an entire season. David Ortiz will be in less pain following offseason knee surgery, and he hit .332 with 35 homers and 117 RBI last season. Manny Ramirez is motivated to force Boston to pick up his $20 million option for 2009. Josh Beckett is a Cy Young candidate. Dustin Pedroia survived and then thrived last year. And J.D. Drew should be better adjusted and more productive. And Jonathan Papelbon is aces.

Weaknesses
Curt Schilling's shoulder soreness could knock him out for the season -- and possibly end his career. Even if he is able to pitch in the second half, his extended absence weakens the rotation. So the question becomes, are Jon Lester and rookie Clay Buchholz ready to step up and help the Red Sox absorb Schilling's loss? Early returns say yes -- such as, Buchholz's stirring Fenway Park no-hitter last year.

Difference Maker
Josh Beckett. He had Cy Young numbers last season during a summer in which you could see him maturing and entering his prime. He gives the Sox the swagger and true ace that all contenders must have. Which is why his back spasms this spring bear watching. He's the one dude the Red Sox can't afford to lose.