Friday’s Links – Up The Middle

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com

Not the most exciting Winter Meetings for Boston, but then again, they didn’t have or feel a real need to improve coming into the Meetings. So it goes, I guess.

• It was a silent trip to the Winter Meetings for the Red Sox, but Ben Cherington did practically nothing because nothing needed doing. (Quiet Winter Meetings for Red Sox, but Cherington lays some groundwork)

• He’s 38-years old, but David Ortiz wants to keep hitting for longer than that. And he wants to stay with the Red Sox for the rest of his tenure. (David Ortiz: Agent talking to Red Sox about contract extension)

• Sure, he didn’t put on a good show in the postseason, but that was one shortened month. Stephen Drew is still good – and apparently affordable. (Why the Red Sox should re-sign Stephen Drew)

• Even after acquiring two good right-handed relievers, the Red Sox are still on the hunt for bullpen arms. Ryan Madson is one they’re keeping an eye on. (Report: Sox scouting ex-Phillies reliever Madson)

• We’re sad to see you go, Jacoby Ellsbury, and – this is very tongue-in-cheek – we hope you all the best with your new…job. (Jacoby Ellsbury: ‘Proud to be a New York Yankee’)

• Michael Almanzar wasn’t that big of a loss, not when Garin Cecchini is tearing up the minors and overtaking the guy. (Red Sox Lose Michael Almanzer In Rule 5 Draft)

• Future road trip, anyone? (Could baseball return to Montreal?)

We love you too, Nap.