Red Sox have both needs and options heading into the Winter Meetings

After weeks of our baseball lives sustaining on rumor, innuendo, and the occasional piece of real news (the Coco Crisp trade, additions to the bullpen, Junichi Tawaza signing, arbitration), the signing of Dustin Pedroia this week marks a decided turn in the pace of news that will give color to the twenty five men who will don the Red Sox uniform on Opening Day 2009.

Enjoy the last few days of dreaming about what "might" transpire this off-season, the Winter Meetings will force teams to go "all in" with their hands in Las Vegas next week.

Peter Gammons checks in with Fire Brand

Peter Gammons stops by Fire Brand to answer a few questions. He cautions not to write off David Ortiz and muses about an Eric Byrnes and Miguel Montero to Boston trade.

Why Red Sox should not sign Mark Teixeira

Mark Teixeira - ccho

I am not a proponent of signing Mark Teixeira, as talented as he is.

While signing Teixeira and trading Mike Lowell are possibilities, it would mean investing money in a position that we do not have foreseeable issues at for the next two years and perhaps beyond

The premise for signing Teixeira, many people seem to believe, is predicated on the fact that they think David Ortiz is done. Sorry, I'm not prepared to write off a hitter who has finished in the top five of MVP voting five straight years after one injury-marred season.

Fireside Chats #28: Where the hot stove keeps us warm and we tool on Evan Grant in honor of the AL MVP

In this week's Fireside Chats podcast, Tim and Paul celebrate the coronation of Dustin Pedroia: AL MVP, look at what the trade of Coco Crisp to the Royals may signify, and talk over a hot stove.

Morning Cup o’ Rumors: MLB; Sox needs

Let's take a whirl throughout the rumors in baseball and see what's going on...

In Milwaukee, Doug Melvin picked up Mike Cameron's option, but the Yankees have now come calling -- presumably dangling Melky Cabrera and Ian Kennedy. With Alex Rodriguez being solicited for advice on Cameron and rumblings that the Yankees might sign second baseman Orlando Hudson and move him to centerfield, you can expect to see a new centerfielder roaming the new Yankee Stadium next year.

A back of the rotation starter is being looked at so Clay Buchholz isn't handed the job in spring training. Paul Byrd could return.

Projections for 2009 Red Sox and others

Bill James has come out with his new handbook for 2009, and in the handbook are the early statistical projections for players next year. This may be especially significant in the case of the Red Sox, as James has a vast amount of knowledge of players in the Red Sox system due to being employed by the team.

RED SOX ROUNDTABLE: Who should we bring in?

In this edition of the Red Sox roundtable, four Red Sox bloggers give their opinion on who the Red Sox should sign as a free-agent. Who would your pick be?

Series Preview: Boston vs Orange County

This is not 1986. This is not 2004. This is not 2007. The 2008 Halos are 100-62 and, on paper,…

LAA 9, BOS 2: Sox swept, Manny is what matters

Yes, the Sox got swept but I bet everyone else in Red Sox Nation is a bit more worried about…

Should the Red Sox trade Kevin Youkilis for Mark Teixeira?

Talk about your loaded question: should the Red Sox trade Kevin Youkilis for Mark Teixeira? The logic? The Red Sox…