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The Boston Red Sox have undergone substantial changes in the offseason. With such an influx of new talent, predicting how well the starting nine will do in 2013 is somewhat daunting.

With just a few weeks separating teams all across the major leagues from spring training, we're beginning to get a clear picture of what the rosters may look like come Opening Day.

A number of high-profile signings highlighted the offseason, though many other moves that haven't received nearly as much attention could still yield just as much upside.

We're all excited to see what the season will bring—but in the meantime, here's a rundown of some major ($25 million-plus) MLB signings that went down over the winter.

The infield shift is one of the most effective yet frustrating strategies used in sports. 

Originally used by Cleveland Indians Manager Lou Boudreau to halt Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams, the infield shift has given baseball fans fits.

It has done this because the infield shift is a self-licking ice cream cone, surviving only because of men's pride. 

One of the big question marks for the Detroit Tigers heading in to the 2013 season is exactly what role Rick Porcello will have with the team—if he is even still with the Tigers when the season starts.

The Tigers have tried the entire offseason to unload the 24-year-old pitcher, but have yet to hear an offer they are willing to take.

Small-market baseball franchises are often pigeon-holed into a compulsory allegiance to mediocre (at best) talent when it comes to filling out rosters. Second-rate ballplayers are relied on to be the leaders of teams that annually inhabit the bottom portion of the standings.

One of the things that continues to make baseball great is the fact that young stars emerge every season.

Those rising stars show promise early in their careers, often becoming All-Stars multiple times.

But they have to patiently wait their turns.

Here is a list of 10 youngsters who are already on the verge of becoming All-Stars. The list will be confined to players who have yet to earn an All-Star selection. Prospects who have yet to star at the big-league stage will not be included.

With spring training beginning in less than two weeks, this is the time of year when MLB's top stars decide to work on a specific area of their game.

With their position on the roster secure, they have the luxury of concentrating on improving what they perceive to be a weakness.

Last month, I ranked the top 100 players in MLB today. Here are the goals for each of the top 25 players on that list as they enter spring training.

Managers love players who can move around the diamond. Having such flexibility allows them to give tired or injured players days off, while keeping a productive bat in the lineup.

Anytime a young player makes his way toward his first crack at free agency, there is no doubt a sense of urgency about getting a big deal done.

San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley finds himself in that very situation right now, just a year away from free agency.

Headley has had a strong start to his career, and his productivity peaked this past season to the tune of 31 home runs and a league-leading 115 RBI.

Every season there are some MLB players who see their power numbers climb seemingly out of nowhere.

Edwin Encarnacion, Billy Butler and Chase Headley all finished with career-highs in home runs last season by a large margin. 

In 2013, despite the fact that home run totals continue to decline, different players will emerge as the new crop of sluggers.

Here are three players that are poised for power surges in 2013.

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