One of the biggest questions going into the offseason is how Boston’s lineup will shake out, specifically the leadoff spot. Manager John Farrell said Mookie Betts is a candidate to fill that role.
Source: Rizzo not contacted by Blue Jays
During NatsFest, ESPN reported that the Blue Jays are looking for a team president/CEO and have interest in Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo. But a baseball source said the Blue Jays have not contacted Rizzo.
Lucchino: Red Sox sincerely tried to sign Lester
With the dust settling after an eventful Winter Meetings for the Red Sox, president/CEO Larry Lucchino expressed disappointment and regret in how the team dealt with its attempts to sign left-hander Jon Lester.
Harper forgoes NatsFest with grievance looming
The grievance is about Harper’s eligibility for arbitration. Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, believes Harper should be arbitration-eligible this winter, while the Nats believe Harper should not be eligible until after the 2015 season.
Rizzo confident about future of De Los Santos, Bostick
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, who acquired right-hander Abel De Los Santos and infielder Chris Bostick from the Rangers for left-hander Ross Detwiler, said the team scouted the two Minor Leaguers heavily before the trade.
Hinch takes lessons learned in first stint as skipper to Houston
A.J. Hinch isn’t shy about reflecting on tough times from his first stint as a skipper in Arizona. Now, he hopes to benefit from them in Houston.
Chicago hope: Cubs to introduce Lester on Monday
The Cubs will formally introduce Jon Lester on Monday, and they can thank Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija for helping sell the left-hander on coming to Chicago.
Relievers gain respect as teams spend big to upgrade ‘pens
The Royals and Giants made a statement with their strong bullpens in the World Series and other teams have taken notice by upgrading their relief corps.
At just 15, baseball blogger Nadel already a hit
At just 15 years old, Matt Nadel has made quite the name for himself with his blog on the MLBlog platform and his new book, “Amazing Aaron to Zero Zippers: An Introduction to Baseball History.”
Twins lock in righty Santana with 4-year deal
The Twins got their man on the last day of the Winter Meetings on Thursday, as they agreed to sign right-hander Ervin Santana to a four-year, $54 million deal, which the club officially announced on Friday.
Predicting destinations for the top remaining free agents
This is when a different kind of fun starts in baseball’s offseason free-agent marketplace. This is also where plenty of personnel moves have won and lost pennants. Despite all the comings and goings over the last week, there are still difference-makers on the free-agent market. So let’s take a crack at finding a team for the top 10 remaining free agents.
Is Melky on Mariners’ post-Meetings agenda?
The Mariners are back home after four quiet days at the Winter Meetings in San Diego, so the obvious question is: What now? The club has just one very specific need remaining — signing a right fielder who upgrades the lineup.
Sox thrilled to finalize deal for established starter Miley
The Red Sox completed a deal with Arizona that brings them left-hander Wade Miley. Boston sends right-handers Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster along with Minor League infielder Raymel Flores to the D-backs.
Padres reportedly offer deal to righty Morrow
The Winter Meetings wrapped on Thursday, but the Padres continue to keep busy in pursuit of roster upgrades for the 2015 season. On Friday, the team was linked to right-handed free-agent pitcher Brandon Morrow.
Ins and outs: Hot Stove scorecard
From marquee free agents finding new homes to multiple trades involving big-name players, it’s been difficult to keep track of all the movement. The following list breaks down every team’s arriving and departing players so far this offseason.
D-backs land power arms from Boston for Miley
The much-talked-about trade to send Wade Miley to the Red Sox was finally completed Friday night, with the D-backs receiving right-handers Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster along with Minor League infielder Raymel Flores.
Barrett, Frandsen brighten day for young patients
Nats relief pitcher Aaron Barrett and utility man Kevin Frandsen visited patients at the Hope for Henry Foundation’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Party and later visited the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy in Southeast Washington.