My concern for the Sox is that they did not get BETTER roster wise in the offseason and some of the key players last year may struggle to match their production from last year.
Beckett, Lowell, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Pedroia, and Okajima all played exceptionally well. Youk, Daisuke, Wakefield, and Ortiz were not as prolific but still put up some decent totals. The verdict is still out on Drew and Lugo.
All in all, they are in decent shape, but they need to play as well, avoid injuries, and have their young pitchers pick up some slack.
Interestingly enough, the Yankees didn't change roster wise either (or at least have not made many improvements). However, I think the Tigers got better and maybe the Angels did too (with the Indians staying as another top team). So IMO, you have BOS, NYY, DET, CLE, LAA, and SEA as the likely favorites fighting for 4 playoff spots.
I agree with David here... no major strides were made and other teams got better. IMHO that levels the playing field and greatly reduces the chance of a repeat. That said... certainly not "doom and gloom" given some valid points made by others here....
Manny was injured for a good portion of the summer. He's been working harder than ever this off season - contract year.
Ortiz played half the year with a bad wheel.
Lugo picked things up after the all star break after having a horrendous first half. He Will improve
Drew will improve this year.
Lowell can't improve on last year. I expect a slide.
Ellsbury replaces Crispy - Upgrade! I'm not expecting huge things.
Oki - Had a monster year...I expect another.
Schilling - Oh well, other than playoff pitching he was less than spectacular. His games looked like BP last year. I'll take Buchholz.
Pedroia is a stud. He got a taste of things last year. Might tail off a bit.
Varitek - meh...guy's been tailing off for years. Looking for a new contract.
Beckett is a monster.
Diasuke will improve on last year.
Agreed with MOST of what clifton is saying here except:• the "not expecting huge things" on Ellsbury. I think .310 / 10HR / 100R / 40SB is a very real possibility.
• I don't expect Oki to product at the elite level he did early - I expect a 2.75-3.00 ERA out of him this year. Good but not great.
• If Pedroia tails off at ALL it won't be much.. he's a hustling hungry dirt dogger... kid has that "it" factor.
Additions came thru the system, not FA. No need to pay over the top money, IMO. They've effectively added Lester, Buckholz, and Ellsbury. I'd like to see them find a replacement C, and maybe a bit of youth in the bullpen. But the starting rotation is mostly young, in Lester, Bucholz, Beckett and dice-k. Youth at closer, 2b, cf and the rotation. It should be, assuming health, a good year.
Very valid points here but don't forget the ROY...Petroia
Don't be shocked if Lugo struggles in the first half of the season, the Red Sox call up Jed Lowrie and give him a shot to take over at Short. Also, Justin Masterson could be a big part of the short relief corps after the break.

Short of a choke on the big league level I believe Masterson is ready. I'm hesitant to predict Lugo's replacement as he's a bit pricey and emotionally unstable... theo sticking with him is what helped him break through late last year IMHO. Lowrie is a talented kid, however... had the top OPS of all minor league SS last year (.896)
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Overall Boston has a very solid Defensive unit.. they could come up a BIT weak in the pen (hence the likely emergence of Masterson after the break.
Coco will likely see most action early and I believe much to the dismay of many fanboys like myself, Ellsbury will start the season in AAA to avoid using one of his option years so the sox can maintain control over him one more year. The upside is it motivates Coco into a "excel or die" state... downside is if Coco does hit like he's capable of, then that puts Tito in a tough albeit enviable position of having two of the game's best CF's
Dice K's adaptation is largely the key to Boston's season. Assuming all things remain equal, if Dice can step up and produce as the #1/#2 hybrid he's shown flashes of....and do so on a much more consistent basis, then that takes a LOT of pressure off the kids (Buchholz/Lester). If Dice struggles Boston could be in for a tough year.
I like the value in Colon's signing, given Boston's thinned rotation... and I get the logic (starts strong.. schilling back well rested at the break)... but let's just say I'm not 100% sold on this guy coming up and pitching like a #3 or #4 just yet.
I don't see Lowell regressing as much as some might think. He's on a new contract but he's another true ballplayer... doesn't seem like the kind to sit back now that he's got his money. That and his swing is tailor made for fenway.... he's a doubles machine and can pepper the monster at will. Another year of age won't take that away.