In the three weeks that John Lackey has missed with a biceps injury, the Boston Red Sox have gone 12-5 and have shown signs of being a serious contender to win the American League East. But while Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz have been brilliant, the rest of the rotation hasn't. 3 to Watch says Lackey's return on Sunday could make a difference. ...more

The Red Sox have improved some things after their disastrous 2012 season, but there's still quite a bit not to like about a team that finished in last place last year. ...more

For all the talk of fried chicken and beer, and for all the talk of Bobby Valentine's one-year circus, the biggest issue the Red Sox have faced since it all fell apart in that crazy month of September is that their starting pitching simply hasn't been good enough. They see signs that it changes this season. ...more

John Lackey returned to the mound Saturday for his first game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2011. He looked comfortable, relaxed and healthy. And he said it might have been the first time he ever pitched in a Red Sox uniform without pain. ...more