BOSTON (CBS) – It’s the holiday season, but the Boston Red Sox are already on the minds of many fans.

Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino talked with WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Ben Parker Sunday morning, touching on a variety of topics from who’s on the trading block to what went wrong last year?

Lucchino said the Red Sox will not shy away from spending money this off-season, as long as it doesn’t impair the team heading forward.

“If that means writing some checks, we will,” said Lucchino. ”We are not going to contend in 2013 at the expense of building it right long-term”

Lucchino On 2013 Red Sox: 

Lucchino said first base and pitching depth are areas Boston needs to improve in, but he likes the core the team has going forward.

“We have a nucleus of a good team, we are going to make it a contending team in 2013,” he said.

Lucchino On Red Sox Nucleus, Potential Deals: 

Boston formally announced the signing of outfielder Jonny Gomes on Saturday, who Lucchino says will play left field.

“He’s a hard-nosed, old school player,” he said of Gomes. “We think he can hit 20-30 home runs next year.”

Lucchino On Jonny Gomes: 

Don’t forget, fans can purchase tickets, at RedSox.com.

You can hear the WBZ Water Cooler on Saturday at 10:25 AM and 5:55 PM, and Sunday at 5:55 PM, on WBZ NewsRadio 1030.