Dick Bresciani, Red Sox Historian, Passes Away

Dick Bresciani

Dick Bresciani, a long-time public relations executive with the Red Sox and the team's historian, passed away on Saturday after a lengthy illness. He was 76 years of age. Starting in 1972, Dick served as a publicist for the Red Sox and was later one of the moving forces behind the establishment of the Red Sox Hall Of Fame. In 2003, Dick became the archivist—and de facto historian—of the team as Vice President of publications. Bresciani was also instrumental in designing the rules under which a Red Sox player's uniform number can be retired. He was also the team's representative to The BoSox Club—the official fan organization supporting Boston baseball. Dick was a font of information on all things Red Sox—but most of all he was a decent and terrific person. He will be sorely missed.

Detroit Offers Rick Porcello For Cespedes

Porcello (L); Cespedes (R)

Multiple sources are tonight reporting that the Detroit Tigers have offered starting pitcher Rick Porcello in exchange of OF Yoenis Cespedes. Porcello—a 25-year old right-hander—is a six-year veteran, who has never lived up to the initial hype that surrounded him. He is 76-63 with a 4.30 ERA. While a workhorse (at least 30 starts in five of his six years), he's given up in excess of 100 more hits than innings pitched. In 2012, he gave up the most hits in the American League (226), and has a 1.359 career WHIP. Last season, he went 15-13 with 3.43 ERA. Porcello is eligible to be a free agent in 2016. This seems like a pretty bad deal for Boston. No biscuit.

Jays Counter Red Sox Spree With Donaldson

New Threat From The North

He may not be The Panda or HanRam, but Josh Donaldson is a big pick-up for AL East rival Toronto. Wedged into a lineup that includes Jose Bautista and Edward Encanarcion, Donaldson will add punch to an already potent offensive force. Amazingly, Toronto got Donaldson for peanuts (the perennially disappointing Brett Lawrie, along with two young pitchers and a kid shortstop we never heard of). Kudos to Alex Anthopoulos for pulling this one off. Of course, the Jays don't have quite the same dearth of starting pitching as the Red Sox—with Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey better than anyone in the current Boston rotation with the possible exception of Clay Buchholz. Let the competition begin!

Cardinals Cancel Meeting With Jon Lester

Scratch one competitor off the list in the pursuit of Jon Lester. The St. Louis Cardinals revealed today that they have cancelled their planned meeting with the free-agent lefty. Apparently, the price-tag on Lester was too high for the Redbirds. Now, Boston only has to contend with the Giants, Cubs, Braves—and (horror of horrors) The Evil Empire.

Henry Hegemony Now Extending To PawSox?

If we're not careful, we may wake up someday and find that John Henry has been declared Emperor of Massachusetts. The Ichabod Crane-like owner of the Red Sox, NESN, The Boston Globe and the Liverpool Reds is now poised to takeover the Pawtucket Red Sox. His own plaything—the Globe itself—reported today that a "portion" of the current Red Sox ownership group will buy the PawSox. It's hard to image that "portion" does not include Henry—either in an overt or "silent partner" role.

Top 10 Things Sox Fans Should Be Grateful For

#10—The likelihood that the 2015 offense will no longer look like a AAA offense.
#9—The fact that Shane Victorino is healthy and might return to 2013 form.
#8—The fact that Koji Uehara is still closing for the team.
#7—The fact that the organization has youthful depth at pitcher, catcher and shortstop.
#6—The fact that you could convene a Minyan with the number of OFs on the team.
#5—The fact that Xander Bogaerts is one of the most talented players in the game.
#4—The fact that we will have a new goofy cult hero in Pablo Sandoval.
#3—Two words: Dustin Pedroia.
#2—The fact that we still have an outside chance of re-signing Jon Lester.

And the number one thing Sox fans should be grateful for this Thanksgiving:

#1—The fact that John Henry doesn't own both The Globe and The Herald.

Conflicting Sox And Lester Reports Persist

Some reports tonight characterize a Red Sox-Jon Lester deal as "done"—and just waiting for an announcement on Friday. The terms have ranged from six years and $120 million—to over $140 million over that same span. Others say the entry of the Giants has ratcheted up the stakes beyond a simple Boston-Cubs competition. Yet others say the Red Sox have told Lester they will match the highest offer from anyone—including the Cubs and Giants. The bottom line is: there is no deal yet. As soon as definitive word is available, we will report it to our readers. Until then—assume that Joe Kelly is your 2015 rotation stud.

Is A Three-Way Blockbuster Trade Coming?

While there have been several proposed trade scenarios to bring starting pitching to Boston, FOXSports.com's Dave Cameron has offered a really intriguing three-way blockbuster. It starts with assessing which teams need what. For example: Seattle needs right-handed power; Washington needs middle infield help; Boston needs starting pitching. So here's a triangular deal that might solve everyone's needs:

1.) the Red Sox send Yoenis Cespedes and Mike Napoli to the Mariners. This gets Seattle two right-handed power bats. The Red Sox could back-fill first base with either Daniel Nava or Allen Craig (or a combination of both);

2.) the Mariners send Brad Miller (SS) and Danny Hultzen (P) to Washington. The Nationals get a young middle infielder with a huge upside and an arm—albeit recently injured—that they coveted in the 2011 draft;

3.) the Nationals send Jordan Zimmerman and Tyler Clippard to Boston. This give the Red Sox a #1 starter and Koji Uehara insurance in the bullpen.

Everybody happy?

Panda-Monium Will Reign Supreme At Fenway

(AP Photo)

Just from one day's experience, it feels like The Panda Era at Fenway Park is going to be a lot of fun. At yesterday's introductory press conference, Pablo Sandoval deftly handled an array of questions from the aggressive Boston media (including more than one question on his weight) and showed a real enthusiasm for his new role on the Red Sox. Something tells us that Sandoval could be one of the most popular Carmine Hosers in years—on the order of current and previous figures like David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis and Mo Vaughn. The Panda looks like he genuinely enjoys playing baseball and will give off an infectious glow that will light up Fenway—not to mention generate a whole new line of souvenir sales. We can hardly wait.

John Henry: We Can Break Luxury Tax Barrier

Red Sox principal owner John Henry stated on Tuesday that the team is willing to exceed the $189 million luxury tax threshold for the 2015 season. Said the owner of a 12th-place foreign soccer team, "The way it's structured, we can blow through one year. Again for next year we have tremendous flexibility so we could go through for one year and not overly affect us." Henry also said his previous statements about abhorring long-term contracts were "overblown". Hey, if you don't like Henry's positions on these issues—wait a minute.

Padres May Be Interested In Trade For Cespedes

According to MLB.com's Corey Brock, the Padres and Red Sox have discussed a trade that would send OF Yoenis Cespedes to San Diego in exchange for one (or more) of the following four pitchers: Ian Kennedy, Andrew Cashner, Casey Kelly, Tyson Ross. Kelly is a former highly-touted Red Sox prospect who was dealt in the Adrian Gonzalez trade. Cashner (5-7, 2.55 in 2014) and Ross (13-14, 2.81 in 2014) both have big upsides—while Kennedy (13-13, 3.63 in 2014) is more of a veteran middle-of-the-rotation type. Kelly—still just 25—has had an injury-plagued career so far. Reportedly, the Padres would prefer sending Kennedy to Boston, while the Red Sox would prefer Cashner or Ross. Ben Cherington may have to include a prospect in the deal to get one of them.

OFFICIAL: Hanley Ramirez Again In Red Sox

The Red Sox officially announced the signing of their second major free agent of the day on Tuesday—inking former Boston prospect Hanley Ramirez to a four-year, $88 million contract. The pact also carries a fifth-year vesting option that could make the total value $110 million. Ramirez was traded to the Marlins almost exactly nine years ago in exchange for Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett. He comes back to Fenway with a solid career under his belt at age 30—with a career .300 batting average. He was wooed by the only two remaining players from his early days in Boston—Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz. Ramirez will wear uniform number 13 and —more than likely—play left field (which he has only played in Winter Ball).

Cubs Breaking The Bank To Land Jon Lester

The next time someone tries to tell you there's no bad blood between Theo Epstein and Larry Lucchino, have them re-visit this year's Jon Lester Sweepstakes. Multiple reports suggest that the Cubs have blown past the Red Sox—offering a six-year, $135 million contract. For the cipher-impaired, that works out to $22.5 million per year—compared with Boston's $20 million a year offer. Worse yet, some reports have the Cubs going "north" of $135 million. And the Giants—recently burnt by the Red Sox in The Panda Chase—may go as high as $25 million per year for Lester. Hello, Cole Hamels!

Jon Lester's Value Is Soaring In FA Marketplace

While the Red Sox have reportedly offered Jon Lester a six-year $120 million contract ($20 million per year), industry sources peg his real value at $25 million per year. According to Bruce Levine of Chicago's WSCR Radio, the average annual value of a potential Lester contract is viewed in that stratospheric range—suggesting the Red Sox might be out of luck. The only pitchers to have averaged $25 million are Justin Verlander, Felix Hernandez and Clayton Kershaw.

Farrell: Cespedes Could Play Either CF Or RF

(AP Photo)

What?!? It's probably just a feint—but Red Sox manager John Farrell stated today that Yoenis Cespedes is willing to play either center field or right field. This puzzling bit of news came on the heels of the The Panda's introductory press conference. With Hanley Ramirez penciled in for left field, everyone was assuming that—with a likely Cespedes trade for pitching—Rusney Castillo would patrol center and one of about 68 potential players would man right. Not so fast, OutFieldLogJam Breath! Again, this is probably just a stall until Ben Cherington can "package" Cespedes in a deal with prospects for a front-line starter. Is it Spring Training yet?

Dice-K Set To Sign With Japan's Champ Hawks

(Kelly O'Connor Photo)

According to a report in The Japan Times, former Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is about to sign a deal with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks—the reigning Japan Series Champions. Dice-K pitched pretty well out of the Mets bullpen last year (3-3, 3.89), and is looking to re-ignite his starting career back in his home country. For Boston, he won 18 games in 2008—and captured a World Series ring in 2007. Matsuzaka had Tommy John surgery in 2011, but has never recovered his early effective form. Former Dice-K teammate Hideki Okajima was a member of last year's championship Hawks team.

Sandoval: 'Two-Part Deal—Me And The Panda'

The Red Sox held an introductory press conference this afternoon to announce the signing of Pablo Sandoval. Red Sox GM Ben Cherington praised Sandoval as the kind of competitive player the organization wants on the team. When asked about whether his Panda persona would translate from West Coast to East, Sandoval stated, "Ben didn't sign one guy. It was a two-part deal. Me and The Panda. I have a feeling fans are going to like The Panda." Honestly, it could be bigger here than it was by The Bay.

Red Sox Make Panda Deal Official, Will Be #48

The Red Sox made it official just before a 1PM news conference—stating they had signed Pablo Sandoval to a five-year contract. The release also noted that there is a team option in the contract for a sixth year. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated catcher Ryan Lavarnway for assignment. The Panda—sure to be a fan favorite at Fenway Park—will play third base and wear uniform number 48. Sandoval has a lifetime .304 average against right-handed pitching—and hit .317 against righties in 2014. It's expected that Sandoval will be introduced to the media at a 1PM press conference today.

REPORT: Red Sox Trade Expected By 2PM

Ben Cherington must have to be somewhere special on Thanksgiving. After a whirlwind Monday of double free-agents signings, there are reports out that the Red Sox will be engaged in a major trade by 2PM Eastern time today. Rumors are swirling about who their partner might be—but it's likely to come down to starting pitching targets from three teams (Phillies, Nationals, Reds). The likely suspects from our end are Yoenis Cespedes, Christian Vazquez and Matt Barnes—although one of the teams (likely Philly) may hold out for including Mookie Betts in the package.

Poorly-Timed Red Sox Tweet Quickly Deleted

After having one of the most eventful days in franchise history—the two mega-free-agent signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval—the Red Sox understandably wanted to toot their own horn on TWITTER. So, a little after 9PM last night, the team tweeted out the following, "So, how was everyone's Monday?". Pretty innocuous, right? Well, unfortunately the tweet went out just after the announcement that no indictments would be brought in the Ferguson, Missouri case involving the death of Michael Brown. After an online uproar from numerous fans, the team quickly deleted the tweet.

Sox To Hold Press Conference At 1PM Eastern

The Red Sox will hold a press conference at Fenway Park this afternoon at 1PM Eastern time. Presumably, the event will be to introduce their two new acquisitions—Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. Given the lack of political-correctness among the Boston sports media corp, Red Sox GM Ben Cherington is sure to be asked when he will acquire starting pitching. You can watch the live stream of the press conference HERE.

Pablo Sandoval Deal Is Five Years, $95 Million

The first confirmation of specific terms for the Pablo Sandoval deal comes from CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman. His report cites a five-year, $95 million contract—less than the numbers that were being floated about in the last several hours (closer to $100 million). Thus, The PandaPact—along with the four-year, $88 million signing of Hanley Ramirez represents a commitment by the NOG of $183 million. Perhaps more significantly, it represents an abandonment of the Yawkey Way prohibition on contracts longer than three years. For perspective, The Evil Ones signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven-year, $153 million deal ($21.8 per year)—and Boston will be getting two players for about $30 million more over a shorter term.

'Pand-Ley' Mega-Deal Puts Sox Back On Map

(USATSI)

Say what you will about the NOG (and we certainly do whenever we get the chance), they were clearly embarrassed enough by 2014 to open their wallets for 2015. With the signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval (let's call it "Pand-Ley" for short), they have re-made their line-up in one fell swoop. Now, the next (and some would argue more important) challenge is putting together a credible starting pitching corp. With a ridiculously crowded outfield (Shane Victorino, Yoenis Cespedes, Rusney Castillo, Mookie Betts, Daniel Nava, Allen Craig, Jackie Bradley, Jr.—and now Ramirez), and a bevy of young prospects, Boston should be able to put together a deal for an elite starter (Cole Hamels, Chris Sale, Johnny Cueto). In addition, a final free agent signing of either Jon Lester or James Shields would turn the last-place Sox into the favorites in the AL East. We're already paying the highest ticket prices in baseball—just do it!

Sox-Panda Deal Confirmed Pending Physical

According to The San Francisco Chronicle's John Shea, the free-agent deal between the Red Sox and Pablo Sandoval is confirmed—pending a physical. No specific word on the exact terms of the contract agreement is—as yet—available. Shea also states that the new deal will be "announced shortly". Perhaps as satisfying as the signing itself is the early reaction from the sports media in Baghdad-by-the-Hudson. For example, the formerly influential New York Times is whining about how the Red Sox are clearly gearing up for another title run. Stay tuned for further details on the Panda deal.

REPORT: Red Sox And Lester 'Close' to Deal

According to MLB Insider Jake Wesley, the Red Sox and free-agent lefty Jon Lester are "close" to a deal in the range of $120-$140 million. At this point, there is no specific word on the duration of the proposed contract. Boston is also reportedly in "serious" trade talks with the Philadelphia Phillies for another left-handed starter—Cole Hamels. Stay tuned!!!!

Red Sox In 'Serious' Trade Talks For Hamels

(USAToday Sports)

According to USAToday's Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox are in "serious talks" with the Philadelphia Phillies regarding a trade for ace lefty starter Cole Hamels. Clearly, after signing both Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, Boston needs to fill the two open spots at the top of their pitching rotation. The Red Sox surplus of outfielders and bevy of young prospects could be just enough to pry Hamels away from The City Of Brotherly Love. And, a Hamles trade would not necessarily preclude Boston from still going after Jon Lester. Keep those seatbelts fastened!

Hanley To Play LF, Deal Is 4YRs And $88M

According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Red Sox deal with Hanley Ramirez is for four years and $88 million—with a fifth year "vesting option" valued at an additional $22 million. Reports are also confirming that Ramirez will be the Red Sox left-fielder.

Would Hanley And Lester Re-Start PizzaGate?

Could the Red Sox follow-up on their dual-mega-signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval by signing Jon Lester? If so, it could potentially re-ignite the famed PizzaGate incident of 2010. Back then, Lester stated the following about his former teammate Ramirez, "I'd have a better chance of being struck by lightning than me and him getting a pizza together. You can take that for what it's worth. But there was no chance on God's green earth that I was getting a pizza with him." Pretty harsh words! Can these two co-exist in the same clubhouse again? Stay tuned!

Panda And Hanley Mega Signings By Red Sox

It appears that the Red Sox will sign two top free agents—as reports point to deals with both Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. Reportedly, the Panda deal is for five years and almost $100 million. The Ramirez deal is five years and $90 million. It's unclear where Ramirez would play—but left field is a likely landing spot. If both of these deals are consummated—and every indication is that they will be—it heightens the possibility of more deals to free up the outfield logjam. Boston could package Yoenis Cespedes and some prospects for a front line starter like Cole Hamels. Alternatively, the Red Sox could hold on to their kids and sign more free agents—like Jon Lester and/or James Shields. Stay tuned, sports fans!

Sox Will Sign Hanley Ramirez To 5-Year Deal

Multiple media reports indicate that the Red Sox will sign former farmhand Hanley Ramirez to a five year, $90 million contract. Reportedly, Ramirez is on his way to Boston this morning. Ramirez. 30, was traded to the Marlins in exchange for Josh Beckett. Presumably, Ramirez would play third base (which he has indicated would be fine with him). However, if Boston also signs Pablo Sandoval, Ramriez would likely move to left field.

Is Evil Empire Lurking In Shadows On Lester?

According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, there are six teams involved in the Jon Lester sweepstakes—and he warns us not to count out The Bronx Embalmers. Rosenthal states that while The Pinstriped Posers have denied interest, "the entire sport is bracing for them to snap to attention, as they always do". Of course, no outcome could be worse than The Evil Ones snaring Lester. Stay tuned.

Is Hanley Ramirez Headed Back To Red Sox?

He's been rumored as a legitimate alternative to Pablo Sandoval. However, until recently, Hanley Ramirez re-uniting with the Red Sox has seemed like a long-shot. This morning, two separate reports—albeit from non-traditional sources—state that Raimrez is on his way to Boston. It's important to state that no independent confirmation is available on these reports, but it may be that Ben Cherington is tiring of being used as a pawn by The Panda to fetch higher bids from the likes of San Diego.

Poll Switch: Majority Now Oppose Panda Push

In a stunning reversal of opinion, a solid majority of FenwayNation readers (57%) now oppose going beyond five years and $100 million to land The Kung Fu Panda. Reportedly, Boston has offered five years and $95 million to Pablo Sandoval—but they have been outbid by the San Diego Padres. Current sentiment is against the Red Sox furthering the bidding beyond the century mark. In our first reading, almost six in ten supported the idea of pushing the limits for Sandoval—now, not so much. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Padres Top Bid On Panda; But He's Leaning Sox

According to a report by The San Francisco Chronicle's John Shea, the San Diego Padres are the top bidders for the services of free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval—higher than the offers made by the Giants and Red Sox. However, the word is that The Panda is leaning toward the Red Sox—who reportedly offered five years and $95 million. Expect the Sandoval camp to make a decision by Thanksgiving—or sooner. Stay tuned!

Red Sox Offer Panda 5 Yrs., $95M

Multiple reports suggest that the Red Sox offered Pablo Sandoval a five-year, $95 million contract on Friday. This exceeds the Giants offer of five years and $90 million. Only the Padres remain as an additional suitor—and it's highly unlikely they will surpass Boston's offer. Sandoval's agent did, however, meet with San Diego General Manager A.J. Preller on Friday in Miami. While there is no official confirmation as yet from Yawkey Way, it looks like PandaTime at Fenway could be at hand!

POLL: Opinion Now Split On Panda Contract

FenwayNation readers are now about evenly split on whether the Red Sox should go beyond five years and $100 million on a Panda contract. As the chart shows, 51% support going the extra mile, while almost as many (49%) take the opposite view. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

REPORT: Lester Meeting With Two More Teams

According to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, free agent lefty Jon Lester will meet with at least two more teams next week about a new contract. So far, Lester has reportedly met with the Red Sox, Braves and Cubs. It's believed that at least one of the two additional teams is the St. Louis Cardinals—and the 'wild card' fifth team could well be The Evil Empire.

Miller Likely To Sign Four-Year Deal Somewhere

(Getty Images)

According to FOXSports.com's Jon Morosi, former Red Sox reliever Andrew Miller has fielded "multiple" three-year contract offers and thus is likely to land a four-year deal from someone. The tall, free-agent lefty could break the all-time record contract for relievers—when calculated as the average annual value (AAV) of the likely deal. It's unclear whether the Red Sox are one of the teams in on the bidding—but it seems unlikely that Ben Cherington would go for a four-year pact.

POLL: Six In Ten Want To Go Extra For Panda

The very early results to our latest FenwayNation Poll indicate that six in ten readers would go beyond five years and $100 million to land The Kung Fu Panda. As the chart shows, four in ten take the opposite view—that more than five years and $100 million is too much to pay (even for an endangered species). You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Swihart Is Baseball America's Top Defensive C

Swihart—(FenwayNation Photo)

Blake Swihart—ranked as the #1 prospect in the Red Sox organization—has been named as Baseball America's Defensive Catcher Of The Year. The authoritative website stated that Swihart is just about ready to make the jump to the major leagues. The 22-year old switch-hitting backstop hit .293 between AA and AAA in 2014—clouting 13 HRs. He may join Christian Vazquez on the 2015 big club—comprising one of the youngest Boston catching tandems ever. Congratulations, Blake!

Red Sox Promote Raquel Ferreira To VP Spot

Raquel Ferreira (via TWITTER)

Kudos to the New Ownership Group (NOG) for pro-actively moving a female executive into the top ranks of the organization. Raquel Ferreira has been named as Vice President of Baseball Administration—becoming just the third woman in MLB to reach the VP level. Ms. Ferreira has most recently been Senior Director of Minor League Operations—but has been with the Red Sox since 1999. As such, she has survived two ownership groups and even a few GMs. That alone should qualify her for higher office. Congratulations to Ms. Ferreira!

FN POLL: Panda-Monium On Yawkey Way?

Panda-Monium On Yawkey Way?
Should Sox go beyond 5 years and $100M For Panda?	Yes No
	Current Results

Panda's Agent: Treated "First Class" In Boston

Panda At Logan (WHDH-TV)

Not that it necessarily means anything, but Pablo Sandoval's agent was impressed with the royal treatment given to The Panda during his Hub visit. Said Gustavo Vasquez, "The attentiveness they've had for us in Boston has been first class". That's all well and good, but the Giants still think they have the inside track on Sandoval—plus the Blue Jays and Padres are also in the mix. As the off-season drones on, it appears that the Sox might be being "played" by a number of free agents—and risk winding up with coal in their Christmas stocking (sorry, I meant their "Winter Festival Footgear").

Red Sox Add Four To Forty-Man Roster

The Red Sox announced today that they've added four players to their 40-man roster—which is now full. The four are: Sean Coyle (2B), Eduardo Rodriguez (P), Travis Shaw (1B) and Blake Swihart (C). Today was the deadline for such assignments to protect players from the December Rule 5 Draft. If Boston makes any free-agent acquisitions, they will have to make corresponding deletions from the 40-man roster.

REPORT: Many MLB Execs See Lester To Cubs

ESPN.com's Buster Olney is reporting that multiple MLB executives are now of the view that Jon Lester will be signed by the Chicago Cubs. This is not surprising since the Red Sox floated a second low-ball offer to Lester this week—well below what most consider to be the lefty's true market value. Cubs President Theo Epstein is no doubt eager to stick it to his old nemesis Larry Lucchino by swooping in on Lester. Many, of course, have felt—for some time now—that Wrigley would be Lester's final destination.

Is Yoan Moncanda Another Panda Fall-Back?

If the Red Sox fail to sign free-agent 3B Pablo Sandoval, there are a number of fall-back options they can pursue. They could take another chance on Will Middlebrooks (highly unlikely). They could move Xander Bogaerts back to third and start Deven Marerro at SS (somewhat unlikely). They could sign Hanley Ramirez or Chase Headley (kind of unlikely). Finally, they could play newly-acquired Juan Francisco at third (depressingly likely). Then, there are some longer-term options—one of which is signing 19-year old Cuban infielder Yoan Moncanda. Boston has been identified by Baseball America as one of eight teams in a good position to snatch up the defector from Fidel Castro's Prison Island. More recently, it's been reported by WEEI.com's Alex Speier that the Red Sox Director of International Scouting attended a workout by Moncanda in Guatemala. His assessment was as follows, "He's in tremendous shape. We'll do our due diligence." Especially if they flub the PandaQuest.

Nomar And Russell Martin Did Tequila Shots?

As we have said many times over the years, almost any story in baseball has some Red Sox connection. So it is with Toronto's recent free-agent signing of catcher Russell Martin. The Canadian native recounted a story of his first call-up with the Dodgers back in 2006—where one of his new teammates was none other than Nomar Garciaparra. The 'Big Blue Machine' was in the midst of a five-game losing streak, and Nomar thought he knew a way out of it. A friend had given him a bottle of tequila, so Garicaparra had the team do "shots" to shake off their losing ways. Does this ring any 2004 bells, anyone? Apparently, Jack Daniels sour mash is more effective than agave spirit.

Oops! Lester's Newton House Sells For $1.85M

Just in case you weren't depressed enough over the news about Boston's second low-ball offer to Jon Lester, more disturbing news has arisen. According to The Los Angeles Times, Lester sold his Newton home for $1.85 million yesterday. The Colonial—which is situated on the Charles River—is a 3,300 square foot manse that has its own wine cellar. The Lesters just recently bought a 4,500 square foot home in the Atlanta area. Not good news.

Sox Minor Leaguer Arrested For Home Invasion

Here's one you don't see every day. Red Sox minor leaguer Cody Kukuk was arrested in California for an alleged home invasion in his hometown of Lawrence, Kansas. Kukuk, a 21-year old LHP has previously been arrested for driving under the influence. Reportedly, the robbers took an Xbox 360, cell phones, cash and a safe. They also allegedly battered the residents of the apartment and threatened them at gunpoint. Kukuk is rated as the 21st best prospect in the Boston organization, and went 7-7 in 25 starts this year in "A" ball. Stay tuned for some response from the Red Sox. Hey, left-handed pitching isn't that rare.

Will Jon Lester Accept 'LowBall II' From Sox?

Multiple media reports indicate that the Red Sox have offered Jon Lester six years and between $110 and $120 million. That works out to between $18.3 million and $20 million per year for the lefty ace. Most observers of the free agent market (including Lester's ex-teammate Curt Schilling) have pegged Lester's worth at around $140-$150 million. Moreover, there are new reports that The Evil Ones are poised to offer Lester eight years and $200 million—$25 million a year, with a 4-year opt-out. So, the big question is will Lester accept John Henry's "LowBall II' offer? Stay tuned.