Chris Carpenter

Carpenter, the player Boston acquired for letting general manager Theo Epstein bolt to the Cubs, underwent surgery to remove a bone spur in his elbow and was on the 60-day disabled list for much of the season. The power-armed reliever has had a history of arm and elbow problems, including Tommy John surgery and a subsequent clean up of the elbow. He had good results at Triple-A Pawtucket upon his return and was promoted to Boston for some late-season work, but the command issues that have dogged Carpenter throughout his career surfaced in September, when he walked 10 batters in six innings. He starts with a clean slate in 2013 and there are openings in the bullpen, so he will compete for a roster spot during spring training.