1. Big Papi watch

Perhaps the biggest question of the second half lies with Big Papi, who has been missing from the Red Sox lineup since May 31 with a wrist injury. He's tentatively scheduled to return on July 25 against the Yankees. The signs so far indicate he may return somewhere near 100 percent, but it's definitely something to keep an eye on, as his effectiveness could go a long way to determining the Sox' fate.