Offseason Agenda: Boston Red Sox

As promised, the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. A very good 2007 season should carry over into next. A 96-66 record was good enough for a first place finish in the AL East. A few small additions would make this team even better.

Pitching
A few surprises really helped out the BoSox rotation in Josh Beckett and Dice-K Matsuzaka. Beckett pitched very well, was the majors only 20 game winner this year, and is a top pick for AL Cy Young. Matsuzaka pitched as good as it would be hoped and could easily win AL Rookie of the Year. Jon Lester could get a spot in the rotation next season. The Sox probably will be looking for a pitcher. Carlos Silva is rumored to be next down the line from Curt Schilling. Otherwise the rotation will be pretty good. The Bullpen was very good in 2007 and should be close to it again in 2008. Jonathan Papelbon will close next season with Hideki Okajima setting him up. Eric Gagne will likely not be back, but would he be needed? He was more of a luxary than a need in the last season. Mike Timlin could retire. After all he will be 42 next year. The Red Sox will likely be looking for a righty reliever this winter.

Infield
Not much new needed here. Mike Lowell hasn't been signed yet or announced an offer. If he's brought back than the Infield will be fine. Probably three or four years and atleast $12M annually. Boston has said that bringing Lowell back is a must. Although the A-Rod rumors are starting to heat up again. Julio Lugo was a burden this year, but he played well in the playoffs. Dustin Pedroia played extremely well at 2B and will battle Dice-K for AL ROY. Kevin Youkilis should return to 1B next season. Alex Cora and Eric Hinske will probably stick around as utility men. Jason Varitek is getting older but should be ok for next season. David Ortiz will DH as expected next season.

Outfield
A couple of question marks for next season. First is JD Drew for real? He was hurt a lot of the regular season, but shined in the playoffs. Rumors about him being traded have come up, but they are probably false. Manny will be Manny next season in LF. Jacoby Ellsbury's emergance has brought trade rumors to Coco Crisp. Crisp isn't being shopped, yet, but he is young and has a few teams intersted.

Prognosis
The Red Sox had an amazing year and hope to do the same next year. If Lowell and Schilling are brought back than the BoSox will be the team to beat in 2008.