The Boston Red Sox have signed 34-year old righty reliever/starter Vicente Padilla to a 1-year deal. Padilla pitched in 11 games (0 starts) for the Dodgers last year and he was 0-0 with 3 saves, a 4.15 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. He has now pitched in 330 games (237 starts) in his first 13 years in the majors and he is 104-90 with 5 saves, a 4.31 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. This was a good signing for the Red Sox as Padilla will help them if healthy.

The Boston Red Sox are looking like a team with an actual budget this year and that’s probably not a good thing for the fans. Here is a look at the new guys the Red Sox have brought in so far this winter:

In the field: The top player the Red Sox have brought in this winter is outfielder Ryan Sweeney. He is expected to replace Josh Reddick (a player he was dealt for) as the starting RF. Sweeney is an excellent defensive player, but he doesn’t have much power for a corner outfielder. Catcher Kelly Shoppach was signed to back up Jarrod Saltalamacchia, essentially ending Jason Varitek’s run with the Red Sox. Infielder Nick Punto was signed and he can play pretty everywhere on the infield. Infielders Brad Emaus (2B) and Pedro Ciriaco (SS) will likely be stashed in AAA when the 2012 season begins.

On the mound: The Red Sox need help in the starting rotation but they have avoided that area on the pitching staff so far this winter. That is, if you don’t count the minor league deals given to Carlos Silva, Aaron Cook and Justin Germano. Instead, the Red Sox rebuilt the back end of the bullpen in deals for closer Andrew Bailey and new set-up man Mark Melancon.

Overall: I don’t think the Red Sox are a better team right now than the one that ended the 2011 season.