The Boston Red Sox are the 2011 World Series champions.
That’s if you believe Sports Illustrated’s MLB preview.
But not all of Red Sox Nation agreed with the notion that the Sox’s off-season acquisitions of top talent will help their chances.
“Starting pitching,” James Duncan said yesterday while explaining why he felt the Sox wouldn’t make it to the final series in October.
SI picked Boston to win 100 games, capture the East and beat the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.
It’s almost a turnaround from last year when the Sox finished third in the division and played golf instead of postseason baseball in October.
The foul taste from last season’s playoff-less ending was still evident in fans like Duncan who expressed his desire for the team to “get rid” of closer Jonathan Papelbon. However, he voiced his frustration while trying on Sox jackets in the Souvenir Store next to Fenway Park.
“It’s life as a Red Sox fan,” he said.
However, other fans were optimistic and eagerly awaiting tomorrow’s season opener.
“I have high expectations for this year,” said Hub native Darren Turilli.
