Andrew Bailey, closer for the Boston Red Sox, was first drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2006. He spent his first three years in the minor leagues, coming up to the major leagues for the first time in 2009. His first season was an excellent one and he was rewarded with the American League Rookie of the Year award. His statistics for 2009 include 68 games played, 83.1 innings pitched, 26 saves, 1.84 ERA, and 91 strikeouts to 24 walks.
David Ortiz, designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox, was first signed by the Seattle Mariners in 1992. After playing in the minor leagues for the Mariners, Ortiz was traded in 1996 to the Minnesota Twins. He spent six seasons with the Twins, playing both for the team and for their minor league teams. Due to injuries, Ortiz played in over 100 games in only two seasons. In 2000, he played in 130 games and batted .282, with 117 hits, 36 doubles, and 10 home runs. Two seasons later, he played in 125 games and batted .272, with 112 hits, 32 doubles, and 20 home runs.
Jacoby Ellsbury, center fielder for the Boston Red Sox, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2005 and he made his first appearance with the Boston team in Spring training in 2007. He spent several months in the minor leagues before being called up by the Red Sox in June, 2007 to replace an injured Coco Crisp in center field. Ellsbury played in only 33 games with the Red Sox in the 2007 regular season but his numbers were impressive. He batted .353 with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs and an OBP of .394. His postseason numbers in the division championship and World Series were even better: .360 average with .429 OBP.
Dustin Pedroia, second baseman for the Boston Red Sox, has been with the team since they drafted him in 2004. Prior to being drafted, Pedroia played for Arizona State University. He spent his first two years with Boston in the minor leagues, playing both shortstop and second base. Pedroia was called up to the Red Sox on August 22, 2006 and he immediately proved that he was ready for the majors with his first hit. His first major league home run came just a few weeks later.
John Farrell, this year's new manager of the Boston Red Sox, started his major league baseball career as a pitcher in 1987. He played for three teams (Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers) with fair results. His statistics as a player include a 36-46 record, .439 win percentage, 4.56 ERA, and 355 strikeouts to 250 walks in 116 games with 698.2 innings pitched.