MLB GM Meetings

Nick Cafardo who writes for the Globe had some interesting info from the GM meetings:

1. "Epstein and Scott Boras are far apart on Jason Varitek's monetary value. Boras is looking for a Jorge Posada-type deal (4 years, $52 million). The Sox are looking for a shorter terms and fewer dollars."

- At least it looks like the Sox aren't buying into what Boras is selling. Hopefully they won't sign him at all, but if they did it can't be for more then a year or two.

2. "The Sox have a market for Crisp and Lugo."

- Sounds like there are a lot of teams that are lining up for Coco. Would be interesting to see what the Sox are being offered. I expect to see them deal Coco during this offseason, since they seem committed to Ellsbury in CF. I don't know who would be after Lugo, but maybe it is something where the Sox get prospects, but have to pay some of Lugo's remaining contract.

3. The Red Sox don't appear to be in on major pitching free agents like CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, but are unsure about Derek Lowe. The Sox will likely add a veteran pitcher, which could from the free-agent pool, the Japanese market, or via trade.

- Translation: No way they are going after CC, or Burnett (thank God when it comes to Burnett). I don't see the Sox bringing back Lowe, because they were not a fan of this off the field affairs. "Likely add a veteran pitcher", could very well mean Paul Byrd, and we all know who the Japanese guy is (Taz).

4. The Sox are after catchers. The two young Texas catchers -- Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden -- are high atop their list. Seattle's Jeff Clement has been mentioned. The Sox are also looking at trade possibilities for veterans like Bengie Molina. In a bind, they could opt for a year or two of Pudge Rodriguez.

- I am fine with any of those guys over Tek. Though, I think Pudge is basically done. All three of those young guys would be great catchers to build around, still a little worried about Saltalamacchia's defense, but if he could learn for a year behind Pudge or Tek...that would be awesome.

5. "John Farrell will likely be interviewed for the Seattle managerial job. The Sox also need a first base coach."

-BMack