[ElTianti]

I’m of two minds regarding Theo’s return. He’s been a great GM (apart from signing Rent-an-Error to fat three year contract), but his behavior seem to me to be rather petulant.

The Sox need a lot, CF, SS, and probably LF. There’s still time to fill those spots, but the Sox really, really dropped the ball regarding free agents. On the other hand they won 95 games without Shilling and Folke so maybe they’ll be ok.

It seem like the Yankees have largely stood pat. Sure signing Damon is huge but I think it only makes them a bit better. Chacone and Small probably won’t be as good as last year and Moose and Johnson are a year older.

[ken5050]

Between Damon and Godzilla in the OF in Yankee Stadium, YOU & I could probably go from 1st to 3rd, or take a base on a fly ball, on anything hit deep to LF or CF..

[JohnnyZ]

The Sox need a lot, CF, SS, and probably LF.

CF - Jeff DaVanon low, or Coco Crisp high - or something along those lines.
SS - Alex Cora until Pedroia's ready
LF - I do believe that's covered.

[misterrob]

The Red Sox have upgraded their pitching staff by trading for Beckett. (Of course if he gets hurt then all bets are off but that's true of anyone). They upgraded the pen with the trades and signings of three guys who can throw 95 or better which also takes pressure off of Delcarmen and Hansen who should probably start the year in the minors to continue their progression. Their biggest problem last year was pitching so if you can carry some depth at both ends you have improved.

Millar--Addition by subtraction
Lowell--One bad year last year. Papa Jack is a great hitting coach and he's a Gold Glover. Also came as part of the Beckett package.
Youk--Time to see what he can do. He has the potential to replace Millar/Mueller's offense.
Loretta--Padres GM Towers said he would have kept him if he could afford him. One bad year due to injury and he's a bum? Hardly
Rentereria: Tony G. could cover the position as well as he could for $6 million a year less.
Center Field is hard to fill. Trade Wells for Roberts and be done with it already.

Toronto improved more than anyone. Yanks got older with no real improvements over last year. Sox' pitching looks a lot better. Offensively they will not be quite as good but still good for over 800 runs easy.

Beware Chicago though!