The Red Sox have failed to reach the playoffs for two years in a row, which led to a front office shakeup when general manager Theo Epstein headed to the Windy City to take over the Cubs. However, the Red Sox still have a winning team and can overcome their adversity with a few key additions. In particular, another starting pitcher may be the necessary piece that could catapult them to a World Series in 2012.

Hank Greenberg overcame virulent religious prejudice to become one of baseball´s most feared sluggers. Though his career was interrupted by World War II, Greenberg´s run-producing ability places him in the company of baseball´s legendary hitters.

Despite their past reputation as a willing spender, the New York Yankees have done little to upgrade their roster so far this off-season. Although the team had another winning season this year, they have some holes that they would like to have filled, especially in the starting rotation. In addition, they cannot help but become increasingly concerned about some of their aging veterans, most notably Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, who have seen their numbers decline in recent years.

Prince Fielder is one of the best first basemen in the game today, but the market for his services has developed slowly. Many good teams are already set at the position, and those who do need one are far from contention and unwilling to invest large sums of money in any player. As such, Fielder may find it a difficult task to get the long-term deal he desires.

In a weak National League Central Division, the Cincinnati Reds have decided to strike while the iron is hot by trading away several highly-coveted prospects in order to win next year. In two separate trades, the Reds received starting pitcher Mat Latos and left-handed reliever Sean Marshall. In return, the Reds gave up several players from their excellent farm system, including first baseman Yonder Alonso. The trades make the Reds a serious contender for 2012, but it may be at the expense of their future success.

The Los Angeles Angels have decided to end their two-year playoff drought by signing the two biggest free agents available this year, Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson, to massive contracts. In an effort to compete against their main divisional rivals, the Texas Rangers, the Angles have committed over $300 million in salary for a slugging first baseman and a top starting pitcher. The Angles hope that these signings will give their club the edge going into 2012 even if they cause problems in the distant future.