Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe asked baseball executives which team has more work to do between the Red Sox and Phillies. The general feeling was that Boston has more work to do than Philadelphia, even though they'll have more payroll room to work with. One AL executive, however, sees both teams returning to prominence sooner rather than later. “Both of these teams, I predict, will be back at the forefront of their respective divisions in no time. The Red Sox made a sensational, dream-come-true deal with the Dodgers, and now they have so much payroll flexibility that they’re the envy of baseball. They can shape that team any way they want," said the exec. Here's more from Cafardo..
- Despite the turmoil in Boston, Cody Ross is still high on the organization and hopes to return next year, Cafardo writes. Ross came to the Red Sox on a one-year, $3MM deal last year but could fetch a contract in the neighborhood of Josh Willingham's three-year, $27MM pact.
- Corey Hart of the Brewers is always an interesting name for teams looking for an outfielder or a first baseman, but he won't be happy if he's traded from Milwaukee. The Brewers passed on trading Hart prior to the deadline despite significant interest from other clubs.
- There could potentially be seven managerial openings this winter with the Astros, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Indians, Phillies, Padres, and Rockies possibly looking to shake things up. While San Diego's Bud Black is a well regarded manager, the Padres' new ownership may look to install their own hire.
- After getting fired from the Astros, Cafardo writes that Brad Mills will be atop the managerial lists this winter along with Terry Francona, Jim Riggleman, DeMarlo Hale, and Joey Cora.
