Boston Red Sox

Keeping up with the Joneses becomes an even tougher task when your hated next-door neighbor cruised through the defending world champs on their way to a World Series victory.

Such a task is the one laid at the feet of Theo Epstein, Terry Francona and the Boston Red Sox this offseason. The acquisition of Jeremy Hermida from Florida is the beginning of what should be a handful of minor changes made to the Red Sox roster in order for Boston to take the division, and the pennant, back from the Yankees.

1. The infield quagmire needs to be resolved.

The Boston Red Sox have acquired Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins in exchange for a pair of minor league left-handers in Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez.

Neither pitcher is considered a top prospect, as both are relief pitchers who offer little to no upside for fantasy baseball owners.

Hermida, however, is a different story.

Fresh off the heels of watching yet another Yankees championship, the Red Sox brass have already gotten to work on improving their team's lackluster offense.

The Red Sox acquired 25-year-old outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins, giving up southpaws Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez in return. In 516 major league games, Hermida sports a .265 average, with 57 homers and a mediocre .769 OPS.

With the Yankees on the doorstep of another championship, it appears the end of the World Series will once again be reason to celebrate for those dressed in pinstripes.

For the Red Sox and their fans, though, it simply sets the clock in motion.

Cuban pitching sensation Aroldis Chapman was scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday at Fenway Park. However, due to the weather in Boston, it is unclear whether he actually threw for Red Sox officials.

Yet, according to Chapman's agent, Edwin Mejia, a meeting between Red Sox management and the pitcher still took place. Mejia reported that Chapman was impressed with the organization and called it a "very good visit."

The 21-year-old left-hander has hit 102 mph on radar guns and, with a lean 6-foot-4 frame, is said to project well in the Majors.

Right after game three and the sweep of the Boston Red Sox at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels, I watched Kevin Youkilis on NESN , answering questions about getting swept, and he says calmly "yes, it's frustrating, but it's time to look forward to next season."

While I'd like to see Youkilis be pissed...it is time to look forward to the offseason, because reflecting on the outcome of the playoffs is just gonna piss me off too.

• Baseball
• Boston Red Sox
• MLB
• Opinion