Can Big Papi bounce back?
Ortiz isn’t likely to regain his 2003-07 form, but that isn’t to say he can’t be a far more consistent performer than last season. The lefty slugger has had a full winter of workouts and batting practice, unlike last year, when his schedule was modified because of his rehab from a wrist injury. Ortiz would love to silence the critics who think he is headed for a steady decline. Ortiz is also entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, something else that could drive him. For all the talk that the Red Sox could be short a big bat, or a true No. 5 hitter, the resurgence of Ortiz could fix such concerns in a hurry. Who will be the Opening Day starter? Manager Terry Francona has three legitimate options in Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Lackey. Beckett started last year’s Opener, while Lester had the honor in Game 1 of the Division Series. Lester clearly was the better pitcher down the stretch of 2009, but Beckett was dominant at other points in the year. While Lackey and Lester are
