Not a bad choice- fresh off two losing seasons in a row, but the David Price signing and Kimbrell trade were a major splash additions that previous winter.
We still had Papi, Betts, a JBJ in his prime, Bogey, Pedey, HRam, beni, Vaz and others. The rotation was going to be Price, Porcello, ERod, Buch, and maybe Wright/Kelly/Owens as the 5th guy.
Before '13, we had lost AGon, Beckett and others. We added Vic and Dempster. Our rotation was:
Lester (4.82 in '12)
Lackey (missed the 2012 season with an injury)
Dempster (4.80 in '11 and 3.38 in '12 with CHC)
Doubront (4.86 in '12)
Buccholz (4.56 in '12)
I don't recall anyone being excited about this rotation or the team's chances.
Certainly, some other teams were close.