Ben Cherington is ready to make a splash at his first Winter Meetings as GM of the Red Sox and a splash is what the Red Sox need. Ben’s shopping list is long, but unlike most Americans this Christmas who have shallow pockets due to the weak economy, he arrives with a pretty big wad ‘O cash. J.D. Drew’s big money contract is gone and the money reserved for Pap can also be spent elsewhere.
Here’s some of the holes Cherington needs to address this week and beyond:
The Rotation: Lackey is out for the season and Dice-K is a big question mark. The Red Sox have three solid starters in Lester, Beckett, and Buchholz although the later two have been injury prone. Expect them to try to sign one solid starter. They will be sure to kick the tires on C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt and also look at some second tier starters like Chris Young.
The Bullpen: Pap is gone and the Red Sox need somebody to pitch the 9th. That guy may be Bard but if he is promoted they will need a setup guy. Ryan Madson is still out there but may be a little too pricy without a long track record at the closer position. The Red Sox could look at Matt Capps and have a closer by committee next season. Additonally they will need to pick up some middle relief.
DH: Big Papi has until Wednesday to make a decision about arbitration. He really wants a multi-year deal but the Red Sox are trying to avoid that. If another team like Toronto or Baltimore lures Ortiz away there will still be plenty of options for Cherington at DH. Vladimir Guerrero and Hideki Matsui are free agents if the Sox want a short term fix or they could break the bank and try to land Pujols to spit time at DH and first with Adrian Gonzalez. The Sox also have Lowrie around and could use the DH spot as a semi day off for position players.
Right Field: With Drew gone the Red Sox can get even more production out of an already solid lineup. They will take a look at Beltran, Cuddyer and Ryan Lucdwick.
Trade Bait: Rumors that Ells and Youk were one the trading block are unfounded. The most likely trade candidate is Jed Lowrie. With Scutaro signed for 2012 and Iglesias waiting in the wings, Lowrie is somewhat expendable.
Things get underway on Monday in Dallas. Fenway West will keep you up to date with the latest rumors and signings.
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