In August of 2015, the Red Sox hired Dave Dombrowski away from the Tigers. Actually, his contract with the Tigers was expiring so he was released. It appeared as though he was fired. Regardless of how he was let go, he has certainly started going to work. He did not even wait for the winter meetings!
In November, the Red Sox were able to acquire Craig Kimbrel to be their new closer. He has been one of the most dominant closers in MLB. This acquisition makes the pen deeper. They can use Uehara as an 8th inning guy and Tazara as the 7th inning guy. They are now instantly improved in the back end of games. The early projections for these 3 in WAR is 2.2 (the Royals are 1.7!).
The next move was to sure up the outfield defense. Knowing the division also is powerful, it would help to get a defensive guy that can hit. Enter Chris Young who was signed as free agent away from the Yankees. Chris fielding projection is -4.0. Even though the number is not a positive, it is still almost 3 points higher than his predecessor. He is replacing Hanley Ramirez who has virtually the worst rating of -6.7. Chris does hit with power and is projected to have 14 home runs.
Today, they pull off another BIG move. David Price becomes a Red Sox. Price really is a true ace of a staff. He has thrown over 200 innings 5 of the last 6 years. He was in the CY Young final for 2015. His record last year was 18 and 5. He had sub 3.00 era. He is familiar with Fenway. He has pitched in the AL East many times. He is familiar with all the opponents, only the Rays have a winning record against him. He his 30 years old. He is a fastball pitcher. In fact, he throws fewer curveballs than most. He does throw a cutter which is more considered a fastball than a curve. The point being, there is less strain on his arm and breaking down seems less likely. Price at the top, then Buchholtz, Porcello and Miley makes for a rotation that is much better matched up to other teams.
I think it can be said that the Red Sox have moved from the cellar of the AL East to the team to beat! Toronto does not match up anymore with their pitching. The backend is still poor too. They have work to do. The Yankees have work to do. Can't rely on the "old" guys again can they? The Orioles are not close with their pitching. The Rays have many what ifs from their pitching which could hold them in there, but how do they score? Yes, I think it is right. The Red Sox have gone from worst to team to beat.