Wednesday Links: Hello, baseball season

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

With the Super Bowl Championship secured and celebrated, New England can now turn their attention almost entirely toward the Red Sox. (Bruins and Celtics are still playing too, ya know?)

For the second time in three seasons the Sox are trying to make the leap from worst to first, and have made such a change possible by enjoying a very productive offseason. General manager Ben Cherington checked off everything that he needed to on his lengthy offseason shopping list, and effectively added offense and restructured the starting rotation in three months time. While the team failed to acquire an ace to assume the top spot in the rotation left by Jon Lester, the Red Sox current newcomers Rick Porcello, Wade Miley, and Justin Masterson should be enough to keep them competitive. Helping the rotation along the way, Boston should boast one of the most potent offenses in the game with the additions of both Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. Added to the likes of David Ortiz, Mike Napoli, and Dustin Pedroia, the Red Sox lineup looks very deep on paper.

• Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada was grated free agency on Tuesday, after spending the last few months working to obtain the paperwork necessary for employment in America. The 19-year old switch hitter has already been visited by numerous Major League teams, including the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Yankees. Those in the industry believe that the Cuba native is in line to ink a deal upwards of $10 million, with an equally hefty signing bonus. (Cuban Yoan Moncada cleared to sign with MLB teams)

• Between Dustin Pedroia and Xander Bogaerts, the Red Sox aren’t exactly a perfect fit for newly named free agent Yoan Moncada. But that shouldn’t stop Boston from becoming heavily involved in the bidding for the 19-year old’s services. In signing Moncada, Boston would be strengthening their farm system and gaining an insurance policy in case injury or under performance occurs. While a estimated $40 million investment sounds like a lot for an insurance policy, Moncada could also be used as top tier trade bait down the line. (Where does Yoan Moncada fit on the Red Sox?)

• Here it is folks, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The first grainy, windy, virtually unexciting spring training video has arrived. Red Sox newcomer Rick Porcello took to the mound in Fort Myers to get some early work in, with pitching coach Juan Nieves looking on. (Red Sox players are throwing, hitting baseballs in Fort Myers)

• With multiple offers reportedly in hand, free agent starting pitcher James Shields plans on deciding where he will pitch in 2015 by the end of the week. The Red Sox, who have long been a rumored destination for the 33-year old, do not appear to be contenders for his services. Instead, teams like the Cardinals, Brewers, and Tigers are three potential landing spots for the right-hander. (James Shields expected to sign with a team by week’s end)

• Tweet of the day: Title Town