Boston
Red Sox

News: The Boston Herald is reporting that J.D. Drew's shoulder surgery will have no impact on his contract over the next two years. The Red Sox hold a clause in his contract that allows the team to opt out of his deal if he spends 35 days on the DL or if he ends the 2010 season on the DL and ca't play the outfield in 2011.
Impact: The surgery was minor and on the other shoulder, so it will not impact the opt-out clause in the contract. Either way, Red Sox' GM Theo Epstein said that he had no plans to exercise the option anyway, as the team likes what Drew brings to the table. 

News: Cabrera was waived by the Red Sox and subsequently filed for free agency.
Impact: Cabrera long ago looked like a closer in waiting for the Indians, but he took a wrong turn following the first WBC and now is a fringe major league reliever. 

News: The Boston Globe reports that if the Red Sox continue their pursuit of free agent starter John Lackey, Clay Buchholz could be dealt for offensive support.
Impact: Assuming the Sox land Lackey, Buchholz becomes expendable and Boston can revamp their efforts to trade for Adrian Gonzalez. Miguel Cabrera is another big name that has been thrown into the bean pot, and to land either one of those top bats Buchholz would be a necessary piece of the trade. There are plenty of ways this situation could play out, so stay tuned. 

News: The Boston Globe reports that Red Sox outfielder underwent successful surgery on his troublesome left shoulder that limited him after the All Star break last season.
Impact: Drew dealt with constant inflammation in the shoulder last season, but should be 100 percent when spring training roles around. Last year represented his most potent season in the power department since 2004, so it will be interesting to see what he does when fully healthy. If J.D. Drew can ever be considered fully healthy. 

News: According to Jon Heyman on Twitter, the Red Sox are looking at other alternatives to free agent outfielder Jason Bay.
Impact: Bay has already turned down a four-year $60 million deal from the Red Sox and made it clear that he wants to test the free agent market, so it makes sense that Boston would explore their options. Still, don't count the Sox out of Bay sweepstakes. Along with the Angels, they are still the favorites to land him. If Bay is the first man snatched up out of the big-time free agent pool, expect Boston to increase their pursuit of Matt Holliday. 

News: Gonzalez has been outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Impact: He'll have to prove that he belongs with the big club during spring training, but it's doubtful that he'll avoid starting the year at Triple-A. The Red Sox will want Gonzalez to prove that he's healthy after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March. 

News: Bates (ankle) has been removed from the 60-day DL.
Impact: He's back on the 40-man roster heading into December's Rule 5 Draft. It's somewhat surprising that he's occupying a roster spot right now as Bates hasn't done anything to suggest he'll fill more than a bench role for the Red Sox in the long run. 

News: Tazawa (groin) has been removed from the 60-day DL.
Impact: Assuming that the Red Sox want him to continue working as a starter, it's unlikely that Tazawa will break camp with the big club since their rotation is pretty much set. That said, he could be the first starter called up if any of the five projected regulars suffer an injury before the start of the regular season. 

News: Woodward has filed free agency.
Impact: He's a depth guy at best regardless of where he lands as a free agent this winter. 

News: Byrd has filed for free agency.
Impact: If he intends to sign elsewhere, Byrd may have to take another minor league deal and begin the year as depth at Triple-A, but the crafty veteran may draw some interest as an insurance policy for someone in 2010. 

News: The Red Sox have claimed pitcher Robert Manuel off waivers from the Mariners, according to the Boston Globe.
Impact: Manuel did not allow any runs over 4.1 innings of relief with the Reds in 2009, and had one walk and two strikeouts. The Red Sox have a well-stocked bullpen, but the 26-year-old right-hander should be given a shot to compete for a job in spring training.  

News: Manuel was claimed off waivers from the Mariners by the Red Sox on Friday, the Boston Globe reports.
Impact: Manuel had an impressive year with the Triple-A affiliates of the Reds and Mariners last season, and could get a shot to pitch out of Boston's bullpen in 2010. 

News: The Angels appear to be interested in free agent outfielder Jason Bay, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Impact: Angels owner Arte Moreno has said he likes Bay's "great bat and great makeup." With Vladimir Guerrero likely not coming back, he would be a great fit in Anaheim's stacked lineup. 

News: Free agent outfielder Jason Bay has rejected the Red Sox's first offer, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.
Impact: The offer was believed to be in the neighborhood of four years and $60 million. "It's not a surprise that a player that's gone this far wants to see what's out there," were the words of Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. The Red Sox are still the heavy favorites to retain his services.  

News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that the Cardinals are not viewing free agent outfielder Jason Bay as a priority this offseason. The team has been turned off by Bay's struggles defensively.
Impact: The Cards want desperately to bring back Matt Holliday, but Bay doesn't look like much of an option even if Holliday ends up elsewhere. The Birds are also interested in Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham, both of whom may be more attractive to the team than Bay. 

News: Westmoreland is doing well after undergoing surgery to repair a broken collar bone in September, the Providence Journal reports.
Impact: "He's doing great," said Red Sox director of player development, Mike Hazen. "He has no pain and his range of motion is back 100 percent. Everything went really well and we have no concerns right now physically." Westmoreland is expected to begin the organization's strength-training program in Fort Myers (Fla.) after Thanksgiving. He hit .296 with 15 doubles, three triples, seven homers, 35 RBI, 19 stolen bases and a .401 on-base percentage in 60 games for the Short-Season Lowell Spinners last summer before the injury. 

News: There are eight MLB clubs believed to be interested in Billy Wagner, according to FOX Sports.
Impact: Wagner is a Type A free agent, but teams are inquiring anyway. Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Houston and Baltimore are among the clubs that have him on their radar. The Red Sox are the only potential suitors that would not consider him for the closer's role. 

News: Jed Lowrie will begin the 2010 season at Triple-A Pawtucket, according to Peter Gammons of ESPN.
Impact: Lowrie hit just .147 in 32 injury-plagued games last season, and the Sox want to get his career back on track in the minors. That being said, he will almost certainly be on the major league roster at some point. 

News: Updating a previous report, Jason Varitek has officially exercised his $3 million option to remain with the Red Sox for the 2010 season.
Impact: Varitek can earn an extra $2 million with incentives, but those are based on playing time that he likely won't get. Victor Martinez will be the team's starting catcher moving forward and Tek would just be used to save Martinez's knees on occasion and catch Josh Beckett when he throws. With a .209 average, 14 homers and 51 RBI last season, he wasn't a fantasy-relevant backstop, and won't be considered one at all this season due to a probable continuous slide and less playing time. 

News: Varitek has exercised his $3 million option to stay with the Red Sox. Boston declined to exercise its $5 million club option on Monday, and Varitek then had two days to decide whether to exercise his player option at the lower price.
Impact: The 37-year-old was Boston?s starting catcher for nine of 10 seasons through 2008, except in 2001 when he was limited to 51 games because of injury. He was the regular last season until Boston obtained Victor Martinez from Cleveland on July 31. He threw out just 10 of 118 runners attempting to steal this year. 

News: Varitek has exercised his $3 million option to stay with the Red Sox. Boston declined to exercise its $5 million club option on Monday, and Varitek then had two days to decide whether to exercise his player option at the lower price.
Impact: The 37-year-old was Boston?s starting catcher for nine of 10 seasons through 2008, except in 2001 when he was limited to 51 games because of injury. He was the regular last season until Boston obtained Victor Martinez from Cleveland on July 31. 

News: Updating a previous report, MLB writer Bob Nightengale is reporting that Red Sox' catcher Jason Varitek will announce on Wednesday that he is accepting his $3 million option to return to the team. Varitek had until midnight to make his final decision.
Impact: Interesting choice here for Tek. He will likely struggle for playing time next season with Victor Martinez on the team, but ultimately he decided he wanted to stay in Boston and he wanted his $3 million. His days of fantasy relevance look to be nearly over.  

News: The Boston Herald is reporting that catcher Jason Varitek has until midnight on Wednesday to decide on his 2010 option with the Red Sox. Varitek will make $3 million if he exercises the option with the team.
Impact: It will be interesting to see what Varitek decides here. He would likely see plenty of time on the bench next season if he stays in Boston, but he will likely take a decrease in pay if he tests the market. We will keep you updated on his decision. 

News: The Boston Herald is reporting that Red Sox' reliever Billy Wagner may consider accepting arbitration from the team. Wagner is a Type-A free agent, so it seems likely that the team will offer arbitration in hopes that he will turn it down.
Impact: Wagner apparently enjoyed his time with the Sox, and it looks like he might accept the arbitration to pitch for another season. The team is undoubtedly hoping he will decline and sign with another team, as they will receive two draft picks in that scenario. 

News: Updating an earlier report, the Mets reportedly would not chase Jason Varitek if he does not remain with the Sox, according to the New York Post. He has a $3MM option for the 2010 campaign.
Impact: The Mets need stability at catcher, as well as some leadership - but the club feel that he won't be able to play enough games behind the plate at 37 years old. 

News: Jason Varitek and his agent Scott Boras are apparently mulling whether or not to vest the catcher's $3 million, 2010 option with the Red Sox, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.
Impact: Declining the option would seem to be a preposterously bad decision on Varitek's part, as there is no way any team would be willing to pay him more than $3 million or give him anything more than a one-year deal. And even though he will be a back-up in Boston, he and his .209 2009 batting average and 12.9 caught stealing percentage would almost certainly be a back-up anywhere else. Expect him to stay in Boston for $3 million in 2010. 

News: Joel Sherman of the New York Post speculates that if Jason Varitek declines his $3 million player option for 2010 with the Red Sox, the Mets may be interested in the veteran catcher's services.
Impact: This would be a curious move by a Mets team that is already far too old. Varitek looked out of gas last season, and it's hard to imagine he wouldn't flounder offensively even more if he moved to the Amazins' cavernous Citi Field.  

News: Wakefield and the Red Sox agreed on a two-year, $5 million contract, WEEI 850 AM in Boston reports. The new contract cancels a $4 million option in his contact for 2010.
Impact: Wakefield underwent surgery on a herniated disk in his back last month, but is expected to be ready by spring training. 

News: Boston declined the $5 million club option for 2010 in Varitek's contract, WEEI 850 AM in Boston reports. He now has three days to decide whether to exercise a one-year, $3 million player option for 2010.
Impact: It seems likely that Varitek would exercise his player option, but he may feel he can earn more on the open market. 

News: Gathright declined an assignment to the minors and elected to become a free agent, WEEI 850 AM in Boston reports.
Impact: Gathright always has some fantasy upside due to his speed, but he hasn't enough to win any kind of regular job in the majors. 

News: Green (back) elected to become a free agent rather than accept an assignment to the minors, WEEI 850 AM in Boston reports.
Impact: Green will undergo surgery on his back for a disk and nerve issue, so he'll need to prove he's healthy this winter before finding a new deal. 

News: Varitek exercised his $3 million player option for 2010 that includes up to another $2 million in incentives, the NESN.com reports.
Impact: He'll return in a backup role with the Red Sox saying Victor Martinez will be the starting catcher next season. 

News: The Red Sox exercised their $7.1 million team option on Martinez's contract Monday, the team's official site reports.
Impact: The Red Sox also declined the team option on Jason Varitek, which could signal the end of the long-time catcher's time in Boston. Varitek may still return (he has a player option for next year), but Martinez figures to be the team's everyday catcher in 2010. 

News: The Red Sox declined a $6 million team option on Gonzalez.
Impact: They may try to sign the shortstop to a cheaper deal. He hit .284 in 44 games after coming to the Red Sox in a midseason trade from Cincinnati. 

News: Boston agreed to a $5 million, two-year contract with Wakefield, replacing a perpetual $4 million annual club option.
Impact: The 43-year-old knuckleballer struggled with injuries toward the end of the 2009 season, but he was 11-3 at the All-Star break. 

News: The Red Sox declined their $5 option on Varitek - hardly a surprise considering he hit .134 from Aug. 1 to the end of the season and threw out three of 34 base stealers in that stretch.
Impact: The veteran can stay with the team if he exercises his $3 million player option, but it would be in a backup capacity after Boston picked up Victor Martinez's option. 

News: The Red Sox have exercised their $7.7 million option on Martinez.
Impact: The move was expected after Boston obtained Martinez from the Cleveland Indians on July 31 and he replaced Jason Varitek as the starting catcher. He hit .336 with 41 RBIs in 51 games with the Red Sox to help them reach the postseason. 

News: The Boston Red Sox and knuckleballer Tim Wakefield have agreed to a new two-year contract, according to WEEI.
Impact: The deal is worth $3.5 million up-front in 2010, and $1.5 million in 2011. If he reaches a list of incentives, it could end up being worth $10 million. Wakefield will be 43 on opening day next season. 

News: The Boston Red Sox have exercised their $7.1 million 2010 team option on catcher Victor Martinez, according to ESPN.
Impact: They declined their 2010 team option on Jason Varitek, as well, though Varitek has a player option he can vest. Martinez hit .303 with 23 home runs and 108 RBI in 155 games between the Indians and Red Sox last season.  

News: The Red Sox have declined their $5 million, 2010 team option on long-time catcher Jason Varitek, according to WEEI. Varitek now has five days to decide whether or not he will exercise his $3 million player option.
Impact: Varitek, frankly, looked like a has-been last season, batting just .209 (including .157 after the All-Star break), and throwing out only 12.9 percent of would-be base stealers. At age 37, it looks like he should hang it up.  

News: Wagner has filed for free agency.
Impact: Baltimore and Washington are believed to be among the team's interested in acquiring his services on the open market. Wagner would almost certainly be an upgrade for both of those clubs, while he'd also be able to pitch closer to home as his career winds down. 

News: Baldelli has filed for free agency.
Impact: With the acquisition of Jeremy Hermida, Baldelli may not be back in 2010. A reunion with the Red Sox hasn't been ruled out, but he will likely be plying his trade elsewhere after hitting .290/.343/.441 with four homers and 15 RBI against left-handed pitching in Boston last season. Given his injury history, a platoon-situation is the best way to utilize his skill set. 

News: MLB.com is reporting that the Boston Red Sox have declined the 2010 option on shortstop Alex Gonzalez. The team paid a $500,000 buyout instead of the $6 million Gonzalez was due to make.
Impact: Th Sox still have some interest in bringing Gonzalez back next season, but not for $6 million. He is more of a defensive option than anything at this point in his career, and his days of being a fantasy shortstop look to be over. 

News: The Red Sox have declined a $6 million option on Gonzalez, allowing him to become eligible for free agency, the Boston Globe reports.
Impact: Boston does not have an everyday shortstop on the roster (unless you count the injury-plagued Jed Lowrie), so it's possible that the Sox will try to bring Gonzalez back with a smaller price tag. He hit .284 this season and was very strong with his glove, making just one error in 44 games. 

News: Green will undergo back surgery on Monday, WEEI.com reports.
Impact: Green suffered the injury in September and as a result was not on the postseason roster. He was outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday. 

News: Bay officially filed for free agency, the Boston Globe reports.
Impact: Bay and Matt Holliday are arguably the top position players on the free agent market, so Bay will find many suitors. However, he may also be Boston's top priority this winter. 

News: The Boston Red Sox have acquired Hermida from the Florida Marlins for left-handers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones.
Impact: Hermida was the Marlins' first-round draft pick in 2002 but has yet to fulfill his projected potential. He hit .259 this year with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs. He's a career .265 hitter with 57 homers. 

News: Jeremy Hermida has been dealt from Florida to Boston in exchange for hurlers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez, according to Juan C. Rodriguez's (Sun Sentinel) twitter page.
Impact: Hermida has failed to perform up to high expectations over five seasons in Florida, but could benefit from a fresh start with Boston. It also gives the Sox some outfield depth just in case they do not re-sign Jason Bay.  

News: Hermida has been traded to Boston for Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez, the Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Impact: Hermida is eligible for arbitration after making $2.25 million last season, so he was too expensive for the Marlins. He's disappointed the last two seasons amid his usual injuries, but there's upside here given his strong on-base skills in the past. Being able to DH may also help him get more at-bats in Boston, but he'll likely enter 2010 as a reserve outfielder. 

News: Josh Beckett is expected to talk to Boston regarding a contract extension, according to WEEI.com.
Impact: Beckett has a team option for 2010 worth $12.1MM, but would then become a free agent without an extension. The 29-year-old hurler namely wants to know if he is in Boston's future plans, or if they intend to get younger at the position.  

News: David Ortiz claimed on Tuesday to have "another three or four good years in me," according to the Boston Herald.
Impact: He will be in the final year of four-year contract next season, and looking for a new deal at the age of 35. He has said he wants to end his career in Boston. Looking at his .238 average from last season, he may have already. It's impossible to believe he will have another 28 homer, 99 RBI campaign in 2010 if he doesn't get his average back near his career level of .282. 

News: According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have five days after the completion of the World Series to act on Victor Martinez's $7.1 million option for the 2010 season.
Impact: The Sox appear to want to keep their trade deadline acquisition, but may want to sign him to a long-term deal instead of just grabbing him for next season. How much he receives will likely depend on what kind of deal Joe Mauer gets. Stay tuned. 

News: Jacoby Ellsbury could be moved to left field in 2010, according to the Boston Herald.
Impact: Ellsbury is an average defender, at best, in center field, and he could have a much larger defensive impact on the game in the tiny left field at Fenway Park. Whether or not Jason Bay returns to Boston will obviously affect this. Stay tuned.