After missing playoffs, Red Sox focus on needs - Ian Browne

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111025&content_id=25788760&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

The area that let the Red Sox down most in 2011 -- particularly in the late-season slide of historic proportions -- was the starting pitching. Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and John Lackey are all under contract for next season, though Lackey will be sidelined for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
So, too, is Daisuke Matsuzaka, but he won't be ready until July or August at the earliest following Tommy John surgery. Look for Cherington to try to acquire at least one impact starter.
Other club needs depend heavily on what happens with free agents like David Ortiz and Jonathan Papelbon.