Oct 9, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics shortstop Stephen Drew (5) fields the ball against the Detroit Tigers during the fourth inning of game three of the 2012 ALDS at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Performance wise, Drew typically puts up an average of .265 or so every season. He collects about 160 hits per season, and both his on-base and slugging percentages are through the roof. He only puts up average numbers, but overall, he would be a good addition to the lineup both offensively and defensively. It wouldn’t surprise me if his name appeared in the middle of the Sox lineup.

Overall, Drew is a great addition to the roster, and fills the hole the Sox have at the short-stop position. He’s getting older, and it is time for his career to peak.

Feb 21, 2012; Fort Myers FL, USA; A general view of Boston Red Sox spring training at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Located in Lee Country, Florida, JetBlue Park can hold 11,000 spectators and is a replica of the team’s home venue, Fenway Park. It features a “Green Monster,” with seating both inside, and on top of the wall. The complex also has six practice fields, adjoining facilities that will house major and minor-league operations, and even a rehabilitation center.

From a fan’s point of view, the ballpark seems to be quite nice. According to a review we found on Yelp, the field has its “good parts” and “bad parts.”  Some of the pros include the great seating, ballpark layout, parking arrangements, and the layout of the complex that allows you to see everything that is going on around the complex as you walk toward the stadium. Some of the cons include the small pro-shop, the congested traffic entering the complex, a small selection of adult beverages, and the bleacher seats, which tend to heat up in the toasty Florida weather.

So at the end of the day, I would have to say JetBlue Park is top-notch. The facility makes it easy for fans and players to travel from place to place and see the latest happenings in Red Sox Nation.

April 20, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Historical logos on display under the grandstands during the 100th anniversary celebration at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Perhaps the Sox could take a look at Henry Owens. He spent last season with the Greenville Drive and tremendous statistics. He appeared in 23 games, and posted a record of 12-5. He hurls three primary pitches; a changeup, a breaking ball, and an impressive fastball. He is only 20-years-old, so it could take some time until he reaches his full potential, but if keeps at it, there is no doubt we’ll see him in Beantown soon enough. Owens will be a good choice to call on if all else fails this season.

Another option would be Drake Britton. He has a bit more experience and has been involved with the Sox Organization since 2008. SoxProspects.com compares his arm rotation to Jon Lester. He lacks with command but when he throws the ball just right, his fastball sizzles in at a raging 95 mph. There is some baggage that comes along with Britton. In each of his seven seasons, he has recorded more loses than wins. All it would take is a good pitching coach to get Britton in line and prepare him for major-league play.

Neither Owens nor Britton would be ready to play at the major-league level today. Both players would require a little bit of work if they were called upon, but if the Sox find themselves in a situation similar to last season, the two pitchers would sure help.

August 08, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Nick Punto (5) welcomes third baseman Will Middlebrooks (64) to the dugout after Middlebrooks hit a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Middlebrooks, 24, did not play the best when it comes to offense. He played strong in his Sox debut on  May 2nd, and went on to collect 77 hits in the following months, but he struck out 70 times (267 A.B.).Out in the field, Middlebrooks was gem. He was responsible for 32 put-outs, and was credited with 134 assists at the hot corner. He was the replacement (and part of the reason) why Kevin Youkilis was traded away to the Chicago White Sox. They Sox had found someone with a little more power to put at third base.

There are plenty of  third-basemen out there on the market, but the Red Sox would even have to turn to the list of free agents. They would aim for another up-and-coming third-baseman in the farm system. The “number-two” option would likely be Garin Cecchini, a 21-year-old who played with the Greenville Drive (Single-A) last season.

Overall, Will Middlebrooks is the real deal. He runs onto the field everyday and gives it his all. He shows strength, power, and most importantly, dedication. He has to earn his stripes a little bit more at the plate, but other than that, he should coast right through the 2013 season.

Sep 22, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) speaks with fans prior to a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

Both Saltalamacchia, 27, and Lavarnway, 25, put up some decent numbers last season. During the 2012 season, Saltalamacchia played in 121 games, carried a .222 average, and collected 90 hits. Lavarnway only played 46 games, and ended the season with a .154 average.  According to the scouting reports found on The Baseball Cube, in the spots Saltalamacchia is weak, Lavarnway is solid and vice versa. For instance, Lavarnway was given a score of 61 (out of 100) when being judged in the “Contact” department, whereas Salty was only given a 23.

The Red Sox could also sign a free agent catcher, as there are a few experienced ones out on the market. The first option would be Mike Napoli, a former Texas Ranger. In 2012, he played in 108 games and carried a batting average of .227, better than the numbers posted by both of the Red Sox catchers. The 31-year-old has experience, and his stats over the past few seasons prove that he is constant. His batting average usually rests between .250 and .300. Should the Sox decide to sign Napoli, throwing tons of money his way would not be ideal. There are other options out there.

Another choice for the Sox would be to sign the 29-year-old former Bronx Bomber Russell Martin. He played a key role at the bottom of the Yankee’s lineup, and he has the potential to do the same for the Sox. The Bleacher Report comments that Martin “would be a good addition to virtually any team.”

Either way, the Sox are set in the catching department. They can stick with Saltalamacchia and Lavarnway and be fine. If a problem were to arise, they can easily experiment with some free agents or prospects making their way through the minor league system.

September 21, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE

Lester, 28, did not have a pretty 2012 season. He had a record of 9-14 with a 4.82 ERA in 33 starts. Perhaps the 2013 season will give Lester a chance to redeem himself and possibly talk contract with the organization. He made $7.625 million this season, and will make over $11 million next season. His contract includes a 2014 team option, in which he would make $13 million.

Despite a downhill season, Bradford points out that from 2006-11, Lester tallied fourth most wins by a LHP in baseball (76), and managed the sixth-best ERA (3.53).

Should the Red Sox offer Lester a contract to extend his time in Beantown, he would have a huge decision to make. He says he has no problem with conversing.

“We’ll see,” said Lester on the final day of the ’12 season. “This probably isn’t the best year to talk about it. I’m always open. I’ll listen. We can always talk. I have no problem with dialogue. I have no problem with sitting down and seeing where they’re at, and seeing where we’re at.”

It will be interesting to see what choices Jon Lester and/or the Red Sox Organization will choose to make in the 2013 season with the new leader.

Overall, the Red Sox should see how Lester performs before talking contract matter. He has to work well on the field, and keep a positive attitude in the clubhouse. He did have a small outburst this past season in the dugout, where he was reportedly seen throwing sunflower seeds in the face of Red Sox Coach Alex Ochoa (click here to view the YouTube video).

Only time will tell us if the Red Sox should negotiate with Lester. If he does not meet expectations for the 2013 season, he will be out the door without a doubt. If   the Sox like what he is doing, they will make him an offer.

Oct 16, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees bench coach Tony Pena is interviewed before game three of the 2012 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

role for the 2013 season.

Pena, 55, is no stranger to Beantown. He was the Sox’ starting catcher from 1990-1993, before he was signed by the Cleveland Indians,

“I know the city well, I know the fans. I played there for four years and I enjoyed every single moment there,” said Pena. “Whatever happens, happens. I have no control over that right now. It’s in their hands. I just want to concentrate on where we are right now.”

Pena does have some managing experience. He coached the New Orleans Zephyrs, one of the sixteen teams in the Pacific Coast League, from 1999 t0 2001. He also managed the Aguilas Cibaenas, a Dominican winter-league team, in 1998 and 2000. In 2002, Pena was named manager of the Kansas City Royals, where he served for three years before resigning, and accepting his job as a bench coach with the Yankees in 2005.

Tony Pena would be a great addition to the Red Sox organization. He is the person who can make split-second decisions and lead the Red Sox back towards the path of success.

Sep 22, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Fans surround Fenway Park prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

After the team’s worst performance in fifty years, Sox fans expected no increase in ticket price. In fact, some think prices should be decreased, arguing that the Red Sox should be showing fans why the should come back by lowering ticket prices.

Although Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino did not say the Sox would be lowering ticket prices, he did express the team’s gratitude towards the fans that continued to follow the team through last season’s hardships.

“It was abundantly clear this year that we should hold the line on ticket prices,” said Lucchino. “Through it all, fans have shown their deep loyalty and support, for which we are all grateful.”

Ticket prices vary from $12 for seats in the upper bleacher sections, to $165 for a ticket atop the Green Monster.

Of course, fans will continue to buy individual-game tickets, but the number of ticket package holders may decrease and the Sox will have the extra pressure of selling the open seats on a game-by-game basis. When tickets aren’t selling, concessions are not making as much money, and merchandise isn’t being bought. There is no way the Red Sox will be drawing the same amount of profit next season, as they were drawing five years ago.

Next season could go either way for the Red Sox. They have to make a splash with their manager selection in order to boost ticket sales. It would also be in the team’s best interest to clean up shop a little bit by starting fresh with a new coaching staff and adding some new faces to the locker room. The fate of next season lies in the hands of the Red Sox executives. The 2013 season will come either way, but it is up to the Red Sox to shape the success of the team.

6:00 AM: I depart from my house in New Hampshire. My brother will be taking part in the batting practice and his appointment is scheduled for 8 AM.

(Patrick Cavanaugh/Staff)

7:30 AM: We arrive in Boston to the scene of the sun rising. There is a brisk chill in the air, but that could not brush off the feeling of excitement. We wait in a line with other Red Sox Ticket Package Holders just outside of the Absolut Clubhouse.

8:05 AM: The Absolut Clubhouse doors open and we receive wristbands. Fans who will not be batting receive a gold band, while batter’s bands are purple. After checking in, we make our way to the back of the lounge. Joining a few other fans, we anxiously wait to get into the park.

8:10 AM: It is time to enter the park! We walk along the concourse until coming to a doorway that leads us into the visiting clubhouse. Inside, jerseys from various teams hang on the lockers. A photographer was positioned in the locker  room so fans would be able to buy the pictures from the event online.

8:15 AM: We now make our way from the visiting clubhouse to the dugout. This is done via a big staircase. At the bottom of the stairs is a long tunnel, which leads to the dugout and then out onto the field.

8:20 AM: On the field, fans were divided into two lines. People who would be batting were placed in a queue, while people who would be watching could watch the festivities from the first-base side.

8:30 AM: After I watched my brother make contact with all five pitches thrown from the pitching machine (at about 50mph), we took a few photos in the home dugout. There was another professional photographer in there too.

8:35 AM: We made our way down the Red Sox tunnel and I noticed the batting cage area, which is about 10 feet down the tunnel was not being displayed.  We then made our way up a staircase and saw the entrance to the Red Sox clubhouse. Sadly, we were not allowed access.

8:40 AM: Fans now had the opportunity to walk around and enjoy some of the attractions happening on the third-base concourse. Whether it was have their picture taken with the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies or play some of the children’s games in Wally’s World, fans seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Fans also seemed to be taking advantage of the half priced food and beverage at the concession stands. A hot chocolate that would normally cost $4.00 on a gameday, cost $2.25. A chicken tender basket with fries that costs $8.75 on gameday costs just over $4.00. “This was the only time I could get two Fenway Franks and a chicken tender basket for under $10 at Fenway,” said one fan.

8:45 AM: After enjoying some food and beverage, fans could make their way up to the Green Monster where they could pose for photos and watch batting practice that was taking place down on the field.

9:00 AM: Most of the fans who had taken part in the 8 AM Batting Practice session were now making their way towards the exits.  Many people had a days-worth of excitement before the clock had even struck 9:30 AM.

The Ticket Package Holder Batting Practice was smoothly run, and fans clearly enjoyed themselves.  I did not see one person step up to the plate who wasn’t either in awe, or had a grin from ear to ear shining on their face.

**WANT TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT? VISIT MY PHOTO GALLERY ON FLICKR**

Sep 23, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Batting Practice at Fenway Park. (Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE )

At least for five pitches.

An email was sent to all Fenway Park Ticket Package holders, containing an invitation to take on-field batting practice at America’s Most Beloved Ballpark. One member from each party is eligible to step up to Fenway Park’s home plate and receive five pitches from the Batting Practice Pitching Machine.

The event runs on Friday (10/5), Sunday (10/7), and Monday (10/8),operating from 9am-9:30pm each day. Anyone who would like to attend, but not will not be taking part in batting practice will be able to watch the festivities from the seating bowl.

Fans will also be able to take advantage of special offers and privileges including a behind-the-scenes tour of Fenway, children will be able to spend time in Wally’s World, a kid-friendly area of Yawkey Way, and there will be plenty of photo opportunities. Whether it be a picture with the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies, or a picture taken atop the Green Monster, memories will be made. The Red Sox will also allow fans to take advantage of the half-price concessions.

I will have live coverage of the event on Monday morning and will be providing insight through this Scribble forum that I will be updating all day, with blurbs of information, pictures, and more.