Jacoby
Ellsbury broke into the majors in a big way during the 2007 playoff run and
World Series win. In 2008 he finished third in rookie of the year voting and he
followed that year by improving in every statistical category in the 2009
season.

In 2010, things went sharply down hill for Ellsbury. He suffered broken ribs
after colliding with Adrian Beltre and didn’t play much after that incident.
His recovery was slow and tensions him and his agent had with the team and
doctors came to light. Whatever the relationship between the two sides, it
looks like that is in the past for now.

At the start of spring games, Ellsbury was given the opportunity to play
center field again this season. This move back to center should help him relax
and give him a boost of confidence.

Manager Terry Francona wants to have Ellsbury return to leading off the
batting order, but some question if Ellsbury is ready for it. Pressure is on
him since he took a beating in the press for his apparent lack of desire to
return from the injury last year. Going into the spring, I wondered if he
needed time to get healthy, get his timing back and play ball without worrying
about the fans and media.

This spring, Ellsbury was the offensive standout for the Red
Sox. He led them in batting with a .355 average and hit three home runs. He
recorded a .950 OPS and stole two bases. For now, he has convinced doubters and
more importantly he convinced Francona. Ellsbury’s performance earned him the
leadoff role to start the regular season.

Ellsbury took his hot spring into the regular season,
notching three hits, including a home run, scoring three times and stealing a
base in the first series of the year.

All early indications point towards Ellsbury returning to
his rookie form and the stolen base competition he will have with Carl Crawford
will be a fun and flashy dimension seldom seen from the Red Sox.

For more Red Sox preview, check out this booklet Faneuil Sports Red Sox preview

By Brian Rabuffetti

Published on Examiner.com