Friday Links: For Jon Lester, family comes first

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

In the coming weeks, we can expect to see the Red Sox rotation begin to take shape. So far this offseason, Boston’s front office has proven that they aren’t afraid to throw money around, and also are conscious of their numerous trade chips. Therefore, you can expect the team to keep their checkbook and roster open, as they continue their pursuit of Jon Lester and other top tier arms. Currently, the Red Sox have set themselves up as one of the favorites to land the 30-year old Lester, with the Cubs nipping at their heels. But as the left-hander has stated before, his decision won’t be solely influenced by who offers him the most amount of money and years. Instead, the comfort of Lester’s family will carry a lot of weight in where the southpaw decides to sign. In that case, Boston has to feel good about their chances. The Lester family’s familiarity with the city of Boston, and the members of the Red Sox front office, coaching staff, and 25-man roster, should offer a truck load of comfort. On the other hand, while the south side of Chicago might be a unfamiliar, the Cubs front office certainly isn’t. Run by former Red Sox executives Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, it wouldn’t take long for Lester and his family to feel comfortable in the windy city. With contract projections reportedly reaching 6 years, $140M from both sides, familiarity and family comfort could play an even larger role when deciding between comparable deals.

• After sustaining multiple injuries during the 2014 season, it didn’t take long for Shane Victorino to slide down the Red Sox depth chart. From last season on, the 33-year old watched as Mookie Betts and Brock Holt took Boston by storm, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, and Allen Craig joined the fold, and Hanley Ramirez all of the sudden became a left fielder. Now as Victorino comes closer to completing his rehab assignment, the 2013 playoff hero has his eyes set on reclaim what was once his in 2015. (Shane Victorino: “I should be the starting right fielder”)

• Yoenis Cespedes isn’t the only Red Sox trade chip that’s received interest on the trade front. A Thursday report indicated that the Miami Marlins have expressed interest in Red Sox’ first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig. While Craig’s sub-par 2014 numbers don’t give him a whole lot of trade value, his statistics prior to 2014 offer the hope that last season was just a mirage. (Marlins interested in Allen Craig trade with Red Sox)

• With the line-up taken care of, the Red Sox can now focus all of their efforts on rebuilding the starting rotation. As of now, Boston remains honed in on trying to set up a reunion with free agent left-hander Jon Lester, but if that falls apart the team will need to focus on other options. The team could use elusive power bat of Yoenis Cespedes to coax a power-needy team into a deal for a starting pitcher. However, Cespedes’ expiring contract won’t make teams start lining up, ready to part with one of their best pitchers. Therefore, Boston could look to swap expiring contracts in order to obtain a top tier arm. (Bats in hand, Red Sox turn to bolstering rotation)

• After the death of longtime owner Ben Mondor in 2010, the ownership of the Pawtucket Red Sox has been in limbo. But now it seems as though the Paw Sox will receive some stability, as a group of Red Sox owners are set to purchase the club. While no details on the proposal are known at this point, the Mondor’s tenure at McCoy Stadium makes for some big shoes to fill. (Some Red Sox owners poised to purchase PawSox)

• Tweet of the day: What are you thankful for?