The Boston Red Sox missed the postseason this year for the first time since 2006, after injuries to key players like Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Josh Beckett derailed their chances at a good season.
But despite plugging up their lineup with an assortment of minor league veterans (Darnell McDonald, Eric Patterson) and rookies (Daniel Nava, Ryan Kalish), the Red Sox still managed 89 wins.
Not good enough for Red Sox Nation.
Boston's owners took out a full page ad in the Boston Globe on Monday apologizing to fans for the disappointing season and promising more success in 2011.
"We can do better. We will do better. We are committed to winning. For you, for us, for the whole of Red Sox Nation."
Red Sox management faces several big question marks going into the offseason. Three of the team's top four hitters are free agents with Adrian Beltre, Victor Martinez, and David Ortiz all potentially on their way out of Boston. The bullpen is in shambles. The top of the starting rotation is as good as any in baseball, but what to expect from Josh Beckett, John Lackey, and Daisuke Matsuzaka?
If the Red Sox simply keep their team together and avoid any major injuries they could probably guarantee themselves a playoff berth. But that's not exactly what GM Theo Epstein or Boston fans had in mind for a team with definite championship aspirations.
Here are 15 offseason trade targets that could make the Boston Red Sox the 2011 World Series Champions. Share your thoughts below.
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