Coming off their worst season in decades, the Boston Red Sox face a tough road to get back to the top of an American League East that seemingly grows tougher every day.
The team has been in shambles ever since their historic September meltdown in 2011 that cost them the playoffs and former manager Terry Francona his job.
After a failed experiment with Bobby Valentine and a roster dump of some of their most expensive contracts during the 2012 season, the Sox looked to be in full rebuilding mode.
After the Winter Meetings; however, it is beginning to look like the Red Sox rebuild may pay immediate dividends. Here are the top reasons why the Red Sox look primed to rise back to relevance sooner than many expect.