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 is if they choose not to re-sign C Jason Varitek. The Sox used free agency and trades to fill many of the roster blanks, 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 back to the World Series. The one wild card is if the Sox decide to be bold and parlay some of their young assets in a deal for a middle-of-the-order bat.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Red Sox could potentially use more right-hander power potential either on the bench or the everyday lineup, and they still might pursue blockbuster trade possibilities this winter. Signing OF Rocco Baldelli and re-signing OF Mark Kotsay have filled two of their big reserve roles. If Varitek signs elsewhere, then a young understudy becomes an obvious and immediate need to be paired behind the plate with C Josh Bard. 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), C Josh Bard (free agent from Padres), RHP Brad Penny (free agent from Dodgers), OF Rocco Baldelli (free agent from Rays), RHP Takashi Saito (free agent from Dodgers), RHP John Smoltz (free agent from Braves).
DEPARTURES: OF Coco Crisp (traded to Royals), C Kevin Cash (free agent, signed minor league deal with Yankees), RHP Bartolo Colon (free agent, signed with White Sox).
FREE AGENTS: C Jason Varitek, RHP Mike Timlin, 1B Sean Casey, SS Alex Cora, RHP Paul Byrd, RHP Curt Schilling.
The Sox may possibly re-sign Varitek under club-friendly circumstances, but there's a chance that nobody from this group returns. Timlin is nearing the end of a glorious career and will not be re-signed, and Byrd has said he'll sit out the first half of the season. Cora and Casey both initially expressed interest in returning to the Sox, but it looks as if Cora is headed to the Mets. Casey indicated he might retire if he doesn't find a situation to his liking. Schilling won't be back. The Sox replaced Cash by upgrading offensively with Bard.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Jonathan Papelbon, LHP Javier Lopez.
Papelbon is in line for big raise and has discussed a contract extension at points over the last two years. Lopez should be back for another go-round. Expect both 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 reportedly has been sought in trade talks with Texas for young catching and in blockbuster deals for an impact bat. The Sox Red also 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 he should be ready for duty at some point during spring training.
SS Jed Lowrie (left wrist sprain and non-displaced fracture) underwent an MRI exam 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 last season, and he is undecided on whether he'll pitch in 2009.
RHP Josh Beckett (torn right oblique) should be healthy for spring training.
SS Julio Lugo (torn left quad) attempted to return from 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 Red Sox qualified for the World Series. Lugo should be healthy for spring training.
RHP John Smoltz (right shoulder surgery in June 2008) expects to be ready to pitch in April.
