WINTER MEETINGS PRIMER

BASEBALL WINTER MEETINGS 2013

BILL LANNO
THE RED SOCKS BLOG
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

One year ago today, one day before the 2012 winter meetings, Ben Cherington began to re-build the Red Sox into World Champions.

On that day he made his first move by signing Mike Napoli to a then 3 year deal.

Today, one day before the 2013 meetings Ben's work for 2014 is all but completed. Why ?

Well unlike other years the 'free agent' market took off this year, right after the owners/GM's meeting. When you have more buyers in the store the merchandise moves faster.

Armed with television dollars teams such as Minnesota and Seattle began to throw money around right away. As a result on the eve of this years meetings, 50 % of the top 20 'free agents' available this year have already signed. And six of the remaining ten are pitchers.

We appear to be entering a new era for the baseball offseason. This will be a era where teams will grab the 'free agents' up right away as opposed to waiting for a market to develop over the three weeks from owners meeting to winter meetings. This is largely due to the fact that more teams are now able to afford to dabble with 'free agents'. The players will no longer be playing 'chicken' with one or two teams. More offers than ever before will be on the table.

So, will this years winter meetings be boring ? 

Of course not. 'Free agents' such as Shin-Soo Choo and Matt Garza are still available. And there is the drama of the New York Yankees, throwing money at everyone in a frenzy to buy their way out of their doldrums.

On the business side, look for the rules for video replay to be finalized. And expect the A-Rod story to make some sort of re-appearence. Will there be talk of PED's ? The exemptions ?

And what of those Red Sox ?

The Red Sox faced four problems this offseason.

First was signing Mike Napoli, which has been done. Second was to obtain a catcher at a reasonable cost, this also has been done.The other two problems, center field and shortstop, were always meant to be internal promotions. Xander Bogaerts at short and Jackie Bradley Jr. in center.

So what is left for the Red Sox to do.

For one, nobody is absolutely sure the rookies will work out. While at shortstop John Farrell can juggle around his bench, a proven outfielder may be required to back up the outfield. For that matter, a extra left-side infielder wouldn't hurt either.

Would the Red Sox go after Matt Kemp ? Considering his contract it doesn't make any sense. If you want to give Jackie Bradley Jr. experience he can't get it sitting on the bench. He has to learn how to hit major league pitching. And with Daniel Nava on the bench this becomes less of a issue.

Ben Cherington has a wealth of pitchers and a trade is always possible.  Jake Peavey and Ryan Dempster are salaries the Red Sox would be happy to unload.

Reality is Cherington doesn't have to make any moves at all. The Red Sox could go with the roster they have now. Surely there will be some 'journeymen' players, like Lyle Overbay last year, looking to catch on with a team. Will Ben make any moves at all ?

And then there is the Hall of Fame Veteran's Committee, who later in the week will consider many greats from the 70's for entry into the hall.

And just by chance, should all this get out of hand, you can walk out of the hotel into the arms of Mickey Mouse !