It might not even be January yet -- and free agents like Adrian Beltre might not yet have found teams -- but that's not stopping analysts from starting to play the prediction game.

At SI.com, as part of his predictions for 2011, Joe Sheehan predicts that the Red Sox will win the World Series:

Paralleling the Yankees' path in 2009, the Red Sox add the top free agent and top trade target in the game, making themselves significantly better after an injury-plagued off-year. The additions help spur them to the best record in baseball and a romp through the playoffs, yielding a third World Series championship in eight seasons.

Given the moves the Red Sox have made in the last month, that prediction isn't going to raise as many eyebrows as another: "The Orioles will be next year's Padres."

The Orioles will meet the same playoff-less fate in the loaded AL East, but not before getting the attention of the industry with their impressive set of young pitchers. Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta are already in the majors, and top prospect Zach Britton could join them by midseason. The offense isn't yet ready for prime time, though it does include the underrated Nick Markakis and forgotten Matt Wieters. Look for the Orioles to finish above .500 for the first time since 1997.

In other American League East news, ESPNDeportes.com reported that Octavio Dotel has agreed to a one-year contract (with a team option for 2012) to become the closer for the Toronto Blue Jays. The 37-year-old righty had a 4.08 ERA in 68 appearances split between three teams last season, and he has struck out at least a hitter an inning in every full season of his career.

Less than a week remains until Hall of Fame voting results are unveiled, and the Bert Blyleven-Jack Morris debate has appeared to give way to the "Did Jeff Bagwell do steroids?" debate. Bagwell has the numbers to cruise into Cooperstown -- he got on base at a .408 clip in 15 seasons and hit 449 home runs -- but it appears that steroid suspicions will keep him below the threshold of 75 percent his first time on the ballot.