FIXED Theo Epstein knows numbers, and the stats screamed at him after last season. The Red Sox led the majors in runs scored in 2003, '04 and '05. But in 2006 they tied for ninth, with 820, a drop of 141 since '03. "A significant decline," Epstein says. So while the GM spent much of the offseason pursuing a certain Japanese pitcher, he also reloaded the lineup by adding high-energy Julio Lugo and OPS machine J.D. Drew. As a complementary player in the middle of the order, Drew could be devastating if (all together now) he can stay healthy. Consider that Manny Ramírez, David Ortiz and Drew finished first, 11th and 17th in OBP among all ML hitters last year. To Epstein, the numbers look much better now.

NEEDS FIXING After much hand-wringing and rumors, the Red Sox put Jonathan Papelbon back in the closer role. He spent the winter strengthening his shoulder, but managing his workload will be key to avoiding another injury-shortened season. At least for now, Red Sox Nation doesn't have to worry about a closer-by-committee.

MIDSEASON FIX LHP Jon Lester turned 23 in January, and that was good news. Now the cancer survivor is aiming to reclaim a starting job. With Papelbon closing again, why not?
-- Buster Olney