Boston Red Sox

With the MLB offseason ramping up as the year comes to an end, teams are making their final moves leading into spring training, and the Boston Red Sox are no exception as they continue to position themselves for another run at the AL East.

The Boston Red Sox had their fair share of surprises and disappointments in 2012—more on the side of disappointments, though—as the club finished in the cellar of the American League East.

Although their win-loss record doesn’t reflect anything positive from last season, don’t forget that Boston was still solid in several offensive categories. The Red Sox scored the eighth-most runs, had the 10th-highest batting average and the 12th-highest slugging percentage.

The Boston Red Sox should forget about injury-plagued Mike Napoli and just get Nick Swisher on the roster. 

Having been one of the busiest teams in free agency during this offseason, the Boston Red Sox appear nearly set as they head into spring training. However, it’s still possible that their inability to tie up a loose end may force them to make another major acquisition.

The groin injury recently suffered by Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Anthony Ranaudo will not prevent him from being ready for spring training, according to this report from the Providence Journal’s Tim Britton.

The Boston Red Sox just bolstered their 2013 starting rotation by signing free-agent right-hander Ryan Dempster to a two-year deal. Despite his addition, the team still need more starting pitching depth, but the answer may already be on their roster in the person of Alfredo Aceves.

It is all but official now.

Kevin Youkilis is about to sign a contract with the New York Yankees pending a physical, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

To clarify on Youkilis and #Yankees: Two sides in agreement, one year, $12M. Deal almost certainly pending physical.

If the Boston Red Sox are still looking to make a big splash and add star power to their roster, there is one player still left on the free-agent market who fits that description.

Ryan Dempster hasn't reached an agreement with an MLB team yet this offseason, but it's not like he hasn't had his chances. 

According to ESPN, Dempster rejected a two-year deal from the Boston Red Sox on Friday night:

The Red Sox have taken flak this offseason because of their lack of major moves. Apparently, it hasn't been for a lack of trying.