I think this team can and will hit enough to be a serious contender, as long as they play Lowell at DH more often than not. I'll take the improved defense at SS. If you take Kotchman at first, Youk at third, Gonzalez and short and Pedey at second, that's very formidable infield defense.
Ellsbury - CF
Pedroia - 2B
Youkilis - 3B
Martinez - C
Bay - LF
Drew - RF
Lowell - DH
Kotchman - 1B
Gonzalez - SS
That lineup should hit pretty well.