I agree with the comment mentioned earlier. If the Padres stuff is true (in that Lozano is trying to get the Sox to up their offer), it would make sense that we are towards the finish line and Hahn/Lozano are working on finishing the deal, with it being announced sometime this week.
Payroll flexibility only means something if you use it to get a star like Machado. Having payroll flexibility and then signing the Melky Cabrera's and David Robertson's of the world doesn't get you anywhere.
Manny, Eloy, the improved bullpen, and hopefully leaps forward from the core guys should at least make this team somewhat respectable, especially in a terrible division.
The only real threat the Sox face are the Indians, and they're the worst they have been in awhile. I don't think the Twins will be anything special.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have to deal with the Braves, Nationals, and maybe even the Mets.