2. Boston Red Sox

Big Leagues- The Red Sox went out this year and spent a ton of money on players their fans actually wanted.  The past few offseasons the Red Sox moves were consisting of players such as John Lackey, Marco Scutaro, Mike Cameron, and J.D. Drew, solid players, but no one the fan base could get excited about.  This year they went out and got Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, and Bobby Jenks.  Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford were the best player's on the market for positional players, and the Red Sox got it done.  For fantasy purposes, Gonzalez and Crawford immediately jump into fringe first round players status by being thrown into a lineup with Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and David Ortiz.  The signings even help the pitching staff, because they will be scoring more runs, and with Bobby Jenks they should be holding more leads.  Jon Lester again highlights the staff and with his high strikeout total, he should be contending for a Cy Young at year's end.  Clay Buchholz is coming off a career year, but don't expect his 2.33 Era to be that low this year.  He could be overvalued in league's but if you can draft him expecting 17 wins and a 3.50 Era you've got enough value.  Being at Fenway Park will also boost their run production like it does every year.  That should make the Red Sox the highest valued team in fantasy baseball.  They will score a ton of runs, and win a ton of games, don't be afraid to draft any of their players in your fantasy drafts.
Catcher- Jarrod Saltalamacchia/ Jason Varitek
1st Base- Adrian Gonzalez

2nd Base- Dustin Pedroia
Shortstop- Marco Scutaro/ Jed Lowrie
3rd Base- Kevin Youkilis
Left Field- Carl Crawford

Center Field- Jacoby Ellsbury
Right Field- J.D. Drew
DH- David Ortiz
Pitching- Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett, John Lackey, Dice-K
Relief-  Bobby Jenks, Daniel Bard, Jonathan Papelbon

Top 5 Prospects RHP Anthony Ranaudo-  The Red Sox signed the 6'7 right hander out of LSU to a 2.55 million signing bonus and after trading for Adrian Gonzalez he becomes their top prospect.  He was considered by many teams a top 5 prospect in the draft but was taken 39th because of injuries and Scott Boras representing him.  That didn't scare the Red sox off because they knew they had the money to be able to sign the big righty.  If he stays healthy he should zip right through the minors. 

LHP Drake Britton- After missing most of the 2009 season after having Tommy John surgery, Britton came back better than ever in 2010.  In 21 starts for Single A Greenville he had a 2.97 Era and struck out 78 in 75 innings.  Next year, the Red Sox will start Britton in Double A and look to stretch him out.  Look for him to be just as good as pitcher's usually are better their 2nd year off Tommy John surgery.

OF Josh Reddick-  Josh Reddick was regarded as one of the top outfield prospects in the game last year.  He had a very successful season, but it looks like Ryan Kalish has overtaken him as the best outfielder in the Red Sox system, and will get the first look at J.D. Drew's open right field slot in 2012.  Reddick had a very nice year in Triple A though, batting .266 with 18 home runs and 28 doubles.  Reddick's best trait is his defense, he has a good arm, and has the range to play any of the outfield positions.  He will begin another season in Triple A, and will contribute in the big leagues this year.

SS Jose Iglesias-  The 21 year old Cuban has the makings of a gold glove shortstop, but his bat will need to mature before he gets his chance.  Iglesias has quick hands and great range, and can also play 2nd and 3rd base.  He reminds us a little of Elvis Andrus of the Rangers.  Last year Iglesias hit .295 with 12 doubles and 5 triples in 70 games.  He doesn't have much power at this time, but if he stays healthy for a full season it will help.  He will probably start at Double A Portland and hopefully move up to Triple A by the end of the season.

2B Oscar Tejada - The Dominican 21 year old finally had a breakout season in Single A.  He batted .307 with 11 home runs, 5 triples, and 32 doubles.  He also stole 17 bases.  If he can keep up his progressions he could make a really big impact next year at Double A.  He needs to improve his defense, he made 24 errors last year, but he could project as a Brandon Phillips type 2nd basemen.  He'll be quite the double play combination with Iglesias next year at Portland.

Payroll and Direction­- The Red Sox turned into the Yankees this offseason, and went out and spent money, and traded their top prospects to get the players they wanted.  The Sox did trade away most of their best prospects with Raymond Fuentes, Casey Kelly, and Anthony Rizzo moving to the Padres, but it looks like they are now ready to spend money to get back to championship contenders.  Our one concern is that they have not locked up Adrian Gonzalez to a long term contract.  They may be waiting for his shoulder injury to pass inspection during the season, or waiting until next offseason to see the market for other free agents Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.  One way or the other the Red Sox can't let Gonzalez walk after giving up their top prospects.  After 2011 also marks the end of the contract of my least favorite player, J.D. Drew.  It will be the last year of his 5 year 70 million contract, and it looks like Ryan Kalish will get the first crack at the starting gig if the Red Sox don't sign another outfielder.  Either way it looks like the Red Sox are lined up to be the favorite in the AL for the next few years.