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| BEN CHERINGTON |
On Starting Pitchers: "There's been a handful of teams that have been calling since the beginning of the offseason and that hasn't really changed since some of the free agents have gone off the board.", Cherington said. The Red Sox have six starters and a unofficial seventh in Brandon Workman, a trade could free up some additional payroll. But the Red Sox surplus could be kept as a protection against any unforeseen injuries. Cherington added, "We're very comfortable not doing anything. If the movement with free agents or trades creates motivation on some team's part and that leads to something that makes sense for us, we'll certainly consider it."
On Dustin Pedroia: "Everything is looking like he will be ready for 'spring training'.", Farrell said. "I know he was getting his pin out here late this past week. I don't have the exact date. But my recent conversation was that was to be removed, and he feels good. We'll see how things advance, but everything points to him being ready not only for 'spring training', but getting ample at bats."
On Felix Doubront: The Red Sox were concerned about Doubront's conditioning after he showed up to 'spring training' last year out of shape. The Red Sox instructed him this year to take his vacation to Venezuela earlier and to report to Fort Myers by mid-January to work on his conditioning. Rubby De La Rosa is expected to join him.
On Clay Buchholz: Buchholz ended his season after making only sixteen regular season starts due to shoulder fatigue. According to John Farrell he has fully recovered. "No residual feeling of any kind of physical discomfort. He's initiated his normal offseason strengthening program, so all this has calmed down from last year."
On Xander Bogaerts playing third: Farrell said, "I think were completely comfortable with him playing either position."
Odds on retaining Stephen Drew: "I don't know right now. You can't handicap it. We'll see.", Cherington said. "He's someone, we obviously like him. He's a good player and he did a really good job for us. If there's a way to make it work, we'll see if we can do that."
On why Ryan Lavarnway may stay: "He's a good hitter." Cherington added, "Obviously we made a decision not to just pencil him in the lineup next year. But we still like him. I think overall at that position, we've obviously got two veterans with one year left on their contracts and a bunch of young guys behind them, but there's plenty of opportunity for competition down the road, not too far down the road. Nothing has really changed. I'm sure he'd prefer an open door to a major league job and he may not have that quite yet."
Any consideration to Lavarnway changing positions ?: No consideration has been given, Cherington said. "At some point it's something to think about. We're not quite at that point. If we get to a point where we think his bat might help us at another spot, it's something to consider."
On the leadoff hitter: John Farrell said, "Probably looking at a couple of guys that quickly come to mind. Obviously, it's Vic and it's Daniel Nava, both guys hit in the leadoff spot sparingly this past year....were not going to replace some 50-something stolen bases by Jacoby. The biggest thing would be who is our best on-base percentage guys."
On Jackie Bradley Jr. playing center field: "Defensively, no question. He showed us that each time he was on the field." Farrell added, "The way he faced major league pitching, swung the bat, I think, with a little more productivity late in the season in September. And if that's the way we go, you know, we're more than willing to have him in center field. He's a good player."
On Will Middlebrooks: "Yes,yes. This is a guy that's still got a very good raw talent. He had some challenges this past year, but there is no reason to think that he can't regain some of the form which he came with into the big leagues in 2011." said Farrell. "So,yeah, that is a talented guy. Collectively we've got to get back on track and be consistent."
Mike Napoli: Mike is finishing up his physical and his signing will be announced.
PAWSOX Manager: No decision has been made yet on a new manger for Triple A Pawtucket to replace Gary DiSarcina. Ben Cherington said the prime candidate was from within the organization. Double A manager Kevin Boles may be the choice.
Left side of infield: The Red Sox are searching for a infielder for the left side of the infield, as backup. Cherington said the Red Sox have remained in contact with 39 year old John McDonald. John could also be a future coaching candidate.
The winter meetings continue today.
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