There are always topics to ponder and opinions to take in the expanse of Boston sports. Every week, the Mass Media talks to Alan Wickstrom, UMB’s Sports Information Director, to get his opinion on a relevant Boston sports topic.

This week, we ask Alan which Red Sox player has the most to prove this season.

Any drop-off from Papi or [Mike] Lowell can be made up throughout the lineup, but if [Josh] Beckett, who is supposed to be your ace, doesn’t pitch like one, then you’re asking four other guys to really step up. Plus, once you get to the playoffs, a healthy Beckett makes a huge difference in a short series.

Beckett really needs to get locked in and avoid any tendencies to deviate from his 2007 form and prove that his Championship season wasn’t a fluke in a Sox uniform. He was successful because he was healthy, but more so because he was disciplined. I think his discipline is the key. As long as he doesn’t try and blow everyone away, he’ll be fine.