Taking a cue from the Texas Rangers, where converting relief pitchers into reliable starters has become commonplace, the Boston Red Sox plan to determine if Daniel Bard can make the switch, making spring training the perfect place to see the development take place firsthand. Fans with Boston Red Sox Spring Training Tickets can learn with their own eyes whether Bard can make the leap to the starting rotation, giving fans an opportunity to determine where the Sox stand after a disappointing exit to the 2011 season. 

Seeing how the Red Sox handle Bard’s switch to the rotation will also given a chance to see how new manager Bobby Valentine will handle the team.  The Red Sox manager believes too much input from anybody who is without pitching experience can be counterproductive. As Valentine puts it, pitching mechanics are best taught by those who know what they're doing, which makes sense but isn’t necessarily a rule followed around Major League Baseball.

Valentine will also have to figure out what to do with David Ortiz, who will remain with the team at least for another year. Ortiz has agreed to terms with the team on a one-year deal that will keep him on the team as the DH for at least another year. Though many thought that Ortiz was probably finished a couple years back, Big Papi had a resurgent 2011 season and the Red Sox have to consider him a major hitter in their lineup until proven otherwise. 

One person Red Sox spring training devotees likely won't see is Yu Darvish, a superb Japanese pitcher being circled by several of the biggest teams in baseball. General Manager Ben Cherington said Darvish will be pitching for some big league team, but the Red Sox aren't in position to be an aggressive part of the bidding war for the pitcher's services – at least not as of yet. Cherington says the Red Sox have a real need to improve the back end of the pitching rotation.  Like rival New York, Boston could definitely use a boost to their starting rotation, as they are lacking in dependability after starters Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz. 

Valentine will also have to figure out how to light a fire under Carl Crawford, the talented outfielder who struggled mightily in his first year in Boston, with the shadow of a tremendous contract looming large.  Crawford is one of the best players in the game – when he’s on – but has really struggled to find his groove recently, making him a player to watch in spring training.  If Crawford can get his confidence back with a good spring, the Red Sox lineup can become even more potent than it already is.

Another player clearly to watch is Kevin Youkilis, the Red Sox’s talented infielder who was held out of the playoff run due to nagging injuries.  Youkilis, who might be the team’s best all-around player, needs to get back and show that he’s still the same old slugger if Boston is going to reach their potential this year.  With so many storylines, there is plenty to watch out for as Boston looks to pull their team back together after a disappointing 2011 season.