The 25-man roster if these two pending transactions are made. Here's a look at the lineup, rotation, bullpen and bench. Pending any future deals.

The lineup
CF Coco Crisp: He'll need some guidance here, but the offensive tools and speed are apparent. He is eligible for free agency in 2009, meaning he'll be a fixure in Fenway for the next four years.
2B Mark Loretta: Perfect No.2, batted lead-off for the Padres. Limited range due to injury.
DH David Ortiz: We need not say more than Most Valuable Papi.
LF Manny Ramirez: Now that the holes are filled, there is no need to move the best right-handed bat. Please stop the trade talks, so we all can enjoy the rest of your career in Boston where you'll continue to produce Hall of Fame numbers.
C Jason Varitek: The switch-hitting captain could provide some protection for Manny. His leadership and play-calling ability will help secure the rotation.
3B Mike Lowell: His defense is better than that of Bill Mueller. If offense returns, he could be moved to 5-hole and put up 20+ HRs and 90 RBIS
RF Trot Nixon: A mainstay in right. His arm is still strong and his bat is also above average.
1B Kevin Youkilis: I'd put him in the no-pressure hole, once manned by Mueller. He gets on base, no doubt, but can he really play first? Can he really drive the ball? This is the year to find out
SS Alex Gonzalez: Easily the weakest offensive link, but better than Alex Cora. His defensive range will help Loretta at second.

The lineup may not be as strong as the Yankees, but as long as we have Ortiz and Ramirez anything is possible.

The bench
JT Snow (first): He's a class act who will be able to teach "Youk" some defense
Tony Graffanino (second/third): I like him. But will he be happy as a utility player? I do believe that he'll get ample at-bats filling in here and there.
Alex Cora (short): If he never plays an inning I won't be upset. He is weak offensively and defensively, but could be a could teacher for Dustin Pedroia (who will re-learn short in the minors)
Adam Stern (outfield): He'll suffice in emergency situations and occassional day-off. Look for the Sox to still move some pitching for a back-up outfielder.

It looks to be a pretty strong, veteran bench, though more outfield help is needed.

Rotation
Curt Schilling: Slimmer, stronger. Could be back to 2004 form.
Josh Beckett: The Sox staff fixed D-Lowe's blister woes, they could do the same here. That is the only thing holding Beckett back. Could be a perennial Cy Young contender for years to come.
Tim Wakefield: The Red Sox best pitcher in 2005.
Jon Papelbon: I am hopeful he'll see a spot open up in the rotation.
Bronson Arroyo: Any friend of Theo's, is a friend of mine. His new three-year deal makes him very appealing (especially to other teams).

Overall a pretty strong 5, with some options. David Wells will retire if not traded. Matt Clement would get Papelbon's spot if not traded.

Bullpen
Keith Foulke: The closer for now. Though there are a number of options if he should fail.
Mike Timlin: Set-up and true fighter. His role will change a little this year.
Julian Tavarez: Set-up role secure. If Foulke should fail, look for Tavarez to take over.
Rudy Seanez: 7-1, 2.69 ERA with 84Ks in 60 innings.
Lenny DiNardo: The only lefty in the bunch. Which is a little scary.
Manny Delcarmen: If not traded has this year to really prove himself.

Overall the bullpen appeares much improved over last year. Craig Hansen has a decent shot to make the team if DelCarmen and Clement are traded, though it would not be such a bad idea for him to start in AAA. he was overworked last year.

The 25th man is unknown at this time. Boston is not done yet. They have plans to fill those major holes, but some minor ones remain. If Clement stays, he'll obviously take a position in the rotation moving Papelbon to the bullpen. They need another outfielder, another lefty in the pen.

However the future's is bright. Jon Lester, Jon Papelbon and Dustin Pedroia are still shining.

I'm convinced.; this team is a contender. April will be tough, but once the team will improve with the weather.

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