The Sox added two superstar bats — and gloves — brought back the captain, and fixed a vulnerable bullpen with two elite arms. So much good happened that it's tough to say what the best part of it all was.
Obviously, Adrian Gonzalez's bat may have the greatest impact on the lineup. His swing is a perfect fit for Fenway Park, and after escaping from the league's biggest pitcher's park in San Diego, his offensive production could be stratospheric.
Carl Crawford's bat won't hurt either. He'll hit for average, power and add elite speed on the base path and in the outfield. Having Crawford in Boston also means that that the Rays have lost their best player — completely shifting the balance of power in the AL East.
Bringing back Jason Varitek will provide leadership for a club poised to make a deep playoff run, but it will also provide depth at catcher, one of the few question marks remaining for the Sox. Varitek isn't exactly a slouch, either. When he played in 2010, he was productive — particularly when healthy at the beginning of the year.
In the bullpen, the additions of Dan Wheeler and Bobby Jenks will give the Sox an array of shut-down arms — whereas only Daniel Bard could be labeled as such in 2010.
What was the biggest present for Red Sox fans this hot stove season?survey software
