If you weren't convinced by the lackluster 2013 Red Sox roster, all you need to do is look at
the team's balance sheet to realize why this will be another
Bridge Year. The Red Sox have 2013 contract obligations of $151,577,500 (led—
amazingly—by $15,950,000 to John Lackey). However, in 2014,
total contract obligations drop to just $87,975,000. Clearly, the strategy of doing only short-term free-agent contracts (one of the few smart things BenCher did this off-season) plays into this middle-range strategy. The team will have substantial flexibility in 2014 and 2015 to make trades, sign targeted free agents, and fully integrate the Farm Kids onto the roster. With any luck, we will again contend—in a financially responsible manner—in 2015. Until then, follow the bouncing Pink Hat and belt out 'Sweet Caroline'. That's about all we have.
