I did not have the privilege of attending this year's Soxfest. But from what I've read about it from people that did, it sounds like the overall mood was extremely positive about this upcoming season.

That probably comes as a shock the average baseball fan that has casually followed the Sox this off-season. After an incredibly disappointing 2007 campaign, the biggest headlines involving the Sox this winter have been about what general manager Kenny Williams was unable to accomplish in the free agency market. The moves he did make were widely criticized for either giving up too valuable a piece to their rotation or giving up too much of their farm system.

While the success or failure of those trades will only be known after the next few seasons play out, the moves Williams has made this winter should be enough to ensure that 2008 will be much more exciting than 2007. And missing out on big ticket free agents like Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand may end up being a blessing in disguise.

I don't care about Torii Hunter,' Williams declared to the Soxfest crowd. He's a great guy, I love him as a person, but I prefer to talk about what we have, not who's not here.'

The fact is that the Sox weren't exactly one player away from being contenders. They needed to patch holes in a few areas, most notably the bullpen. Had they committed $50-90 million for the likes of a Hunter, Rowand or new Cub Kosuke Fukudome, it would have been difficult to justify spending much on the bullpen as well.

In order to bolster the pen, the Sox were able to sign veterans Scott Linebrink and Octavio Dotel to help get through the treacherous middle innings. T...

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