Wednesday’s Links – Future Sight

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

It’s the Winter Meetings! Time to watch as some rich guys talk about bad trades while we just sit here and laugh at them. Wait…that isn’t what you do?

• Jon Lester is entering the final year of his contract, and the Red Sox are very interested in keeping the southpaw in red socks for the foreseeable future. (Red Sox will chase Jon Lester for long-term deal)

• His predecessor is gone, whisked away by our arch rivals. But we shouldn’t fret, as Jackie Bradley Jr. is more than capable of starting in center field. (If expectations are reasonable, central role should suit Jackie Bradley Jr. just fine)

• One guy who hasn’t had the best offseason has been Stephen Drew. Tied to draft pick compensation, his market has slowly shrunk over the last month. (Few options remain for Drew as market shrinks)

• The waiting game can be agonizing, watching players you loved depart for other cities. Take Jarrod Saltalamacchia, for example. (Jarrod Saltalamacchia Offers Reminder Why Offseason Waiting Game Can Be Torturous)

• From Matt Kemp‘s contract to his injury issues, this should’ve been a forgone conclusion. Boston is backing out of the race for the outfielder. (Red Sox bow out of Kemp chase)

• If Masahiro Tanaka isn’t posted, the Red Sox have an easier path next season. It even skews the starting pitcher market in their favor. (Red Sox would benefit if Masahiro Tanaka is not posted)

• Absolutely ridiculous. (Media paying for athlete interviews? Not likely. But watch this stuff closely anyway.)

JUST PLAY MORE BASEBALL ALREADY