The Red Sox don't have many openings at key positions, and catcher is the only spot at which they might have to bring in somebody new if they choose not to re-sign C Jason Varitek. The Sox will again use free agency and trades to fill in some of the roster blanks and perhaps land another starting pitcher, but following their failure to win the Mark Teixeira free agency sweepstakes, there shouldn't be a lot of turnover from a team that nearly made it to the World Series again.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Red Sox could use another veteran starting pitcher to push RHP Tim Wakefield back to the No. 5 position, and they also could use more right-handed power potential either on the bench or in the everyday lineup. Trading OF Coco Crisp gives the Sox a need for a fourth outfielder, preferably a right-handed hitter, who can adequately patrol center field. If Varitek signs elsewhere, a solid defensive catcher capable of a leadership role and a young understudy becomes an obvious and immediate need. ARRIVALS: RHP Junichi Tazawa (free agent from Japan), LHP Billy Traber (minor league free agent from Yankees), RHP Ramon Ramirez (trade with Royals), RHP Miguel Gonzalez (Rule 5 selection from Angels).
DEPARTURE: OF Coco Crisp (traded to Royals), C Kevin Cash (free agent, signed minor league deal with Yankees).
FREE AGENTS: C Jason Varitek, RHP Mike Timlin, 1B Sean Casey, SS Alex Cora, OF Mark Kotsay, RHP Paul Byrd, RHP Curt Schilling, RHP Bartolo Colon.
The Sox might re-sign Varitek under club-friendly circumstances, but there's a chance that nobody from their free agent class returns. Timlin is nearing the end of a glorious career and will not be re-signed, and Kotsay and Byrd might look for better opportunities with more playing time elsewhere. Cora and Casey both expressed interest in returning to the Sox, but it's doubtful they'll be returning to Boston's bench. Schilling won't be back. The Sox need to replace Cash, who signed a free agent deal with the Yankees.
ARBITRATION ELIGIBLE: 1B Kevin Youkilis, RHP Jonathan Papelbon, LHP Javier Lopez.
Youkilis and Papelbon both are in line for big raises, and the Sox have discussed long-term deals with both key young players. Lopez should be back for another go-round. Expect all of them to sign before the arbitration deadline; the Sox have yet to go to a hearing with a player during Theo Epstein's run as general manager.
IN LIMBO: The offseason will be a key one for RHP Clay Buchholz, who pitched well in the Arizona Fall League and hopes to make an impact in Boston's starting staff next season. Buchholz also reportedly has been sought after in trade talks with Texas for young catching. The Sox are shopping SS Julio Lugo, and he could be dealt to a team in need of a middle infielder before spring training.
MEDICAL WATCH:
3B Mike Lowell (arthroscopic right hip surgery in October 2008) could start hitting in January and should be ready for spring training.
SS Jed Lowrie (left wrist sprain and non-displaced fracture) underwent an MRI after the season that revealed the injury. With rest, he should be healed in time for spring training.
RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder surgery in June 2008) missed all of last season, and he is undecided on whether he'll play in 2009.
RHP Josh Beckett (torn right oblique) should be healthy for spring training.
SS Julio Lugo (torn left quad) attempted to return from his injury several times late in the season but kept suffering setbacks. Lugo was taking batting practice and running the bases during the postseason and would have played had the Sox qualified for the World Series. Lugo should be healthy for spring training.
