I haven't been a Sox fan long enough to really compare to eras prior to 2003 but I must say that this is the funnest, most likeable Red Sox lineup I have ever seen. I have largely gotten over my Manny Ramirez obsession and I did love Mike Lowell but the 2007 Sox had Lugo and Crisp and I never warmed up to either.  I was too new a Sox fan in 2004 to really bond with Belhorn, Millar, Bill Meuller,Trot Nixon, etc.

Now that Reddick is the starting RF I can say I love the whole lineup 1-8 (more so when Salty is playing) and have come to appreciate Scutaro's solid workmanship efforts.  I really don't know how the Sox deal with Jed Lowrie when he is healthy and what that means for Aviles but otherwise see no question marks in the lineup.

As far as starting pitching goes: Lackey gives me fits and I have no confidence in Miller but we have a strong 1-2 and hopefully Bedard produces. I do also think that the Sox should explore Aceves as a starter if Bucholz doesn't come back. I know it is a luxury to have him available for middle relief and I also know that Morales and Wheeler are starting to look a little bit too much like Okajima and Martinez but starting pitching is crucial and should Lackey or Wake need relief I would prefer to see AA than Miller.

Overall I think this Sox team is a World Series caliber team. This surprises me as I thought pre-season that 2011 would be a bridge year and our run would be next year but I never anticipated the mind boggling numbers out of Ellsbury, Pedroia and Gonzalez. Unlike last year I don't get despondent when the Sox fall a few runs behind because they have shown the ability to score at will.

I really have to tip my hat to Theo Epstein. I was very critical of him last season but the acquisition of A-Gon and Salty have really reaped enormous dividends. I think that if we sign Els when he is FA eligible and find one more starting pitcher this could be a Sox DYNASTY!