Red Sox Madness Final Four: Ellsbury vs. Pedroia

After two grueling rounds of match ups, we now know the Final Four contestants in the first annual Red Sox Madness tournament. In a late run, (primarily thanks to Paul and I's get out the vote campaign for Jon Lester in last night's podcast), Jon Lester eeked out the closest battle of the tourney yet over Kevin Youkilis 45-42. Lester will battle fellow #1 seed and starting pitcher Josh Beckett in the second of our Final Four matchups.

The top half of the draw pits the top two hitters in the Red Sox lineup. Which tablesetter's success means more to the Red Sox chances in 2009? Is it the upstart #3 seed Jacoby Ellsbury or the reigning AL MVP and #1 seed Dustin Pedroia?

Remember, the simple question is "who's success is more important to the overall success of the Boston Red Sox in 2009?" Vote away after the jump!

Jeter: “Rather play for Sox than move off short”

Some shocking news came out of the Yankees' spring training camp as they prepare to break in their new Yankee Stadium... one that just adds another dash of controversy to a team that needed more controversy like Bartolo Colon needs more doughnuts.

More surprising? The news is courtesy of captain Derek Jeter, who now has his loyalty and reputation as a Yankee questioned. The news:

Jeter mentioned in passing as he headed to the field to participate in infield drills that he has no intention of moving off shortstop. Jeter, signed through the 2011 season, is considered by many to be a poor defender despite his three Gold Gloves.

"I'd rather play for the Red Sox than move off short," Jeter remarked. "I've shown a lot of loyalty to this organization and if they're going to repay that loyalty by asking me to move off short, well that's one payment I won't take." (New York Post)

Well, that was unexpected. Would you guys be willing to have Cap'n Jetes don Sox red and man shortstop for the Olde Towne Team if it meant snubbing the Yankees?

Know Thine Enemy 2009: New York Yankees

The other half of the best rivalry in sports, The New York Yankees. The Bronx Bombers "only" ended up with 89 victories last season. And the key players they inked this past off-season, have them looking incredibly strong on paper for this upcoming 2009 season.

The philosophy about building a strong farm was basically put on hold for a year. But Brian Cashman made some nice maneuvers, and the result--whether it was intentional or not--allowed the Yankees to lose their first three picks this year. And that is better than losing a first-round pick in three consecutive seasons, of course.