The Red Sox were not a very good defensive team in 2005. They should be vastly improved this season due to some key acquisitions.

01:00 AM EST on Sunday, April 2, 2006

Its impact on a team's success largely goes unnoticed.

But defense -- or, "run prevention," as general manager Theo Epstein likes to refer to it -- can make the subtle difference between winning and losing in the majors.

The Red Sox were not a very good defensive team in 2005. They should be vastly improved in 2006.

Boston's biggest hole last year was at shortstop, where free-agent signing Edgar Renteria, a former Gold Glove winner, was a major disappointment. For whatever reason, his position became a Bermuda Triangle of errors, forcing pitchers to throw more pitches, giving the opposition extra at-bats and extra runs.

Alex Gonzalez, a free agent who played for the Marlins, will routinely make plays that will bring oohs and aahs from the fans and thank-you notes from Sox' pitchers. He's that good, a Gold Glove winner who proved this spring there are still plenty of "Web Gems" in his future.

Gonzalez, though, is only one piece to an improved defensive team. Third baseman Mike Lowell, who played next to Gonzalez on the Marlins, is another former Gold Glover, as is first baseman J.T. Snow, who will platoon with Kevin Youkilis and also likely serve as a late-inning defensive replacement when he doesn't start.

Second baseman Mark Loretta rounds out an excellent infield, his experience, quick hands and feet serving him well. And if manager Terry Francona has to dip into his bench, Alex Cora is a quality infielder.

Coco Crisp will match the departed Johnny Damon's speed in center field, and his arm is better as he moves from left field, where he played for the Indians, to a new position. In right field, no one gives more effort than Trot Nixon, with Wily Mo Pena a capable backup and platoon partner.

In left field, Manny Ramirez will continue his "Manny being Manny" performances. Some nights he'll surprise you with dazzling catches and crisp throws. On other nights, he'll drop routine fly balls and throw to the wrong base.

Behind the plate, the Red Sox are as solid as any team, with captain Jason Varitek calling a great game, blocking pitches in the dirt and fearlessly blocking home plate. Newcomer Josh Bard will catch knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. They each throw well enough to cut down their share of base-stealers.

skrasner@projo.com / (401) 277-7340