The Nation

So there has been a lot of activity in the past few days, especially this particular day which saw three ace pitchers moving to new teams. Whoa. And while I'll no doubt get around to discussing the Halladay/Lee trade, I'd like to first take some time to look at one team in particular, and why they are quickly making themselves out to be the favorites in 2010.
Yes folks, I'm saying that the Boston Red Sox have made some great strides in the past couple of days. And while getting rid of 3B Mike Lowell and getting SS Marco Scutaro RHP John Lackey are all pretty good moves, there is a stronger underlining factor to the Red Sox's past, current, and future successes. They are versatile. Versatility pays ladies and gents. Most clubs have completely forgotten this, being content, instead, to have one guy at each position and a few decent backups who can usually play a couple of positions. But it's because Boston's everyday starters are so versatile, that sets them apart.
Let's start with Kevin Youkilis. He's a fantastic On-Base Percentage player who can play first-base, third-base, and both corner outfield positions. And he plays with grit. I'm not personally a fan because frankly I think he takes his passion for the game and his team a little too far sometimes and it makes him seem like he's constantly complaining about something. That, or looking to fight somebody. And his batting stance looks like he has to take a piss. But I can see why Boston fans love him. I value him for his versatility.
Dustin Pedroia is another gritty player. He's good at just about everything. He can hit for average, for power, get on-base a ton, and plays good defense. And there were rumors that he would be asked to move to shortstop next year. But did he complain? No. In fact he loved the idea, and even jokingly said that Yankee SS Derek Jeter's days were numbered as being the best shortstop in the AL. The Red Sox have since signed SS Marco Scutaro to a two-year deal, but the point is, this guy wasn't afraid to transition back to the position he played in college. Most players, after having won Rookie of the Year and an MVP award probably wouldn't have been so gracious about being asked to move around the diamond.
Victor Martinez is another one. The Red Sox obtained his services last year in one of the most underrated trade of the season. Martinez is one of the best catchers in the game, and will most likely take over everyday catching duties from Varitek. But he can play 1B as well. And he's another great all around offensive threat.
This all accumulates into wins. These types of players put the team first, and not their stat sheet. Now, maybe these guys are jerks in person and just as greedy and pompous as some notable players of the past (I'm thinking of somebody, and his name rhymes with Rarry Ronds). But at least on the field, they are willing to take one for the team and move around defensively, while still being productive offensive players. Add to that a great pitching staff, and boom, you are in the playoffs year after year. Having a fantastic GM and a boat load of cash doesn't hurt either though.