After a month of off-field drama, the Red Sox are back in the business of repairing the on-field product that collapsed so spectacularly in September.
Right field, starter and reliever are among the most pressing needs of new GM Ben Cherington. Here’s a quick list of potential top targets.
Right field
Potential targets: Grady Sizemore, Michael Cuddyer, Josh Willingham
Sizemore, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner who hasn’t played a full season since 2008, could be a low-cost, high-impact option. If healthy, and on a short deal, Sizemore could revert to All-Star form and be a steal — not unlike Adrian Beltre was in 2010.
Cuddyer has always been steady with the Twins, and can play infield. He has 20-homer, 80-RBI capability and made $10.5 million last season.
Willingham is more of a long shot. Though he just missed a 30-100 season for the A’s, he’s in line for a big raise and has minimal experience in right.
Starting pitcher
Potential targets: C.J. Wilson, Edwin Jackson, Yu Darvish
The left-handed Wilson should command much attention after posting a 2.94 ERA with 206 strikeouts pitching in hitter-friendly Rangers Park in Arlington. Wilson and Jon Lester would give the Red Sox two nasty lefties to take to Yankee Stadium.
Darvish, 25, is the big prize from Japan this offseason. He had a 1.44 ERA and 276 strikeouts for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, but will the Red Sox go that route again after a disappointing Dice-K experience?
Jackson has often been disappointing, but could be a low-cost option.
Relief pitcher
Potential target:
Gonzalez flamed out as the closer in Baltimore in 2010. But if used correctly, he could be an effective lefty reliever.
