NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Wouldn't it be a kick in the pants if the
Red Sox won the American League East next season?  Is it
possible? Absolutely.  Is it likely? Let's set that one aside
for a moment. At the very least, it's no longer an impossible
leap of faith.  After all the turbulence and disappointment of
2012, after all the hand-wringing and dire predictions about the
next few years, the Red Sox are having themselves a nice little
offseason.  General manager Ben Cherington has reshaped the club
in both a tangible and intangible way. First, he has not given a
contract longer than three years. Second, Cherington has filled
most of his needs. Third -- and perhaps best of all -- he has
acquired players known for their toughness and competitive fire,
guys who pride themselves on being good teammates and remaining
focused on the bottom line.  That's part of changing the
culture, and its importance can't be underestimated. As former
big leaguer Jack Morris said, "It's huge, probably more
important than the media und