Liverpool's new owners John W. Henry (L) and Tom Werner (R) applaud the teams before their English Premier League soccer match against Everton at Goodison Park in Liverpool, northern England, October 17, 2010. Henry's New England Sports Ventures, owners of the Boston Red Sox, completed a takeover of the Premier League club on Friday. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRITAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SPORT SOCCER) NO ONLINE/INTERNET USAGE WITHOUT A LICENCE FROM THE FOOTBALL DATA CO LTD. FOR LICENCE ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE ++44 (0)

It is beginning to look clearer that there will be no blockbuster free agent signings as it appears that Carl Crawford, Cliff Lee, Adrian Beltre and Victor Martinez are and were out of the team’s price range.

Some fans are frustrated with the lack of activity thus far in the 2010 offseason and it may lead to a less than thrilling Opening Day lineup. The Red Sox are currently without a third-hitter and the idea of Jayson Werth is making fans groan.

There is not enough available money in the coffers to buy as we wish and the Red Sox have been accused of running the team like a small-market club.

So in this week’s poll, we ask “Should the Red Sox Exceed the Luxury Tax Threshold?” Would spending more money result in more success and thus pay for itself in the long run? Would it be an exercise in futility? (poll is on the right of your screen)

If it’s just barely past the threshold, but it’s for a difference maker, do you do it?

John Henry recently said that the team is evolving in strategy so we will see what that means. The Yankees are going to exceed the luxury tax threshold again.

Do the Red Sox need to?

And as far as our last poll is concerned, the readers of FireBrand AL cast their opinions on expanding MLB’s playoffs and 45% do not want to see it changed. Here are the results for the previous poll.

Poll Question: Should MLB expand the playoff format?

  • No. It will water down the postseason and reward mediocrity. Just look at the NBA and NHL. – 45%
  • Yes. It will create more excitement and opportunity. – 33%
  • Bud Selig should be focusing on other game improvements like expanded replay. – 19%
  • I don’t care. I just want to see the DH gone. – 3%

I voted NO as well. I am really against watering down baseball the way basketball and hockey currently are. Also, for the 3 percent of you who want the DH gone — it’s time the National league adopts the DH-rule!  Who wants to watch pitchers hit?