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I’m standing by my theory that Dombrowski went as high as he was allowed to go. And history sides with me in that he is not known for his frugality…

Paxton has a player option he is predicted to exercise. So we’ll know one way out another this week what his status is…

Possibly. Maybe even the best solution. But waiting for confirmation from Cora…

Or, if they trade Devers Chicago (AL) gets Matt Barnes (surplus vslue -$8.3mill) Boston gets: RHRP Reynaldo Lopez ($5.6mill) 3b Yoan Moncada (-$12.3mill) Trade is accepted on BTV. No word yet from Hahn or Bloom…

Optics schmoptics. End of the day, if it didn’t get Mookie re-signed, what difference does it make?

I do think 1b and DH are probably settled. It just comes down to who gets penciled in where, which will probably change a few times for the three. Unless Hosmer gets traded or DFAd and the Sox find an actual hitter…

I’m assuming 1) Seattle doesn’t give up on all their young outfielders so quickly, and 2) Torres will be a Yankee. Now if the Mariners want Donaldson or IKF, it might be a bit more realistic. I could see Conforto, who is from somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, signing with Seattle…

Carlos Rodon opts out of his contract without injuring himself…

It will be the subject of Tony Massarotti’s column tomorrow…

I heard Bloom was only going to offer $95mil and a saxophonist. Diaz’ new walk up song was going to have to be Baker Street…

And no chance it happens

So no mo’ Mitch?

The Rockies traded OF Sam Hilliard to the Braves for minor league RHP Dylan Spain. First trade of the off-season!

And my point is a trade of either or both would surprise no one. It might also please no one, but it wouldn’t surprise them…

I don’t think the Sox will trade Story. And if you want to argue they might, rank Verdugo, Devers and Story in order if likelihood of being traded. Highest to lowest. Verdugo and Devers are locks to start if either or both are still on the team. Really the likelihood of either or both being traded is the point…

I think the closer just gets overvalued. Half this board just spent a week praising Dombrowski but how many know who the name of the Phillies closer that he signed? (Hint: his name rhymes with Corey Knebel.) Houck was like 8 for 9 in save chances. If he recovers from his back surgery, did he really lose this job with that performance? But pitchers like Montero and Eflin (and Fulmer. Don’t forget Fulmer.) would be great additions to strengthening this bullpen, regardless of their role…

But it doesn’t take into account budget. The post mentions the Sox ranked lower than KC. But which team do you think is capable of spending more? Like I said, meaningless until March. Arguably they don’t even m mean much then, since they’re really all just some ‘s opinion. But that’s still another matter…

Our budget is at least potentially larger than Milwaukee’s…

So you think there is a minimal to negligible chance of Verdugo and/or Devers being traded?

If Hosmer does stay for a while, his salary will be a BIG part of it. I expect him to be on the trade block all winter. And once all the other MLB teams pass, he might get a shot at DH. Honestly, I do think his salary makes him a good fit for a deal with Milwaukee as they have their arbitration-crunch. For Adrian Houser? I’d do it…

Really what that says is whatever arm the pitcher uses, Yordan just don’t care…

There is no point in the season when power rankings are more useless than right after the postseason when the free agents are set to depart but no one has replaced them yet. Revisit this is March…

I’m just talking about absolute locks as starters (assuming no one is injured). C - McGuire is the current front runner, but would you really be surprised if the Sox brought in someone to start over him? He’s defensively above average, but his offense in Boston is definitely not sustainable. 1b - Casas is the front runner, too. But Hosmer is still here for now. Either one might be the DH. 2b - Story until he gets hurt 3b - We all hope it’s Devers, but a lot depends on his contract situation. He might get extended, traded, or just play out his last year. SS - Bogaerts’ opting out is extremely likely. Free agent? Will it be a big name like Correa or a stopgap like Segura? Or will Kike move in and hold it down for a year? LF - Verdugo for now, but apparently the Sox were not too happy with his attempts to bulk up and the effect it has on his play offensively and defensively. CF - Most likely Kike. Unless he plays somewhere else, like SS. RF - No front runners. I’m sticking to my prediction of Gallo. But nothing has obviously happened yet. DH - Please not Hosmer. The position is designated hitter, not designated mediocrity.

I think that’s why they brought in a guy with more success at it…

That’s people avoiding the data. And incredibly obvious data…