Classy Josh Reddick Thanks Red Sox Fans

New Oakland (hopefully soon San Jose) Athletic Josh Reddick sent out a tweet yesterday thanking Red Sox fans for the "memories and shout outs". The A's have already announced that Reddick will start in the Oakland outfield this year. Reddick showed some promise in 2011 (.280 in 87 games), until fading a bit at the end of the year. Overall in his Red Sox career, he hit only .248, with 10 homers and 37 RBIs in parts of three seasons. We're hoping that with more playing time and a stable situation, Reddick will succeed in the Bay Area. Good luck, Josh!

Red Sox Still Open To Signing Hiroki Kuroda

WEEI.com's Rob Bradford reports that the Red Sox are still interested in right-handed free-agent starter Hiroki Kuroda—but (stop us if you've heard this before) the price is still too high. Kuroda is likely looking for a deal worth $12-13 million a year. It's heartening that BenCher is considering such a move, but it still appears unlikely unless Boston somehow gains more salary flexibility. Perhaps lower-cost fake injury classes for Liverpool players? Just a friendly suggestion.

Hanley Ramirez Accepts Swtich To Third

Dreams of a return of the prodigal shortstop seem over as Hanley Ramirez has said he will accept a move to third base. With the signing on Jose Reyes, Hanley either had to acquiesce or be traded—with the Red Sox often mentioned as a landing spot. Alas, we will have to soldier on with Marco the Magnificent.

Kelly Malone Early Leader As New Heidi

Kelly Malone, of WBZ-TV and WEEI, has taken the early lead in the FN Poll as the replacement for Heidi Watney. Malone—who has filled in often for Jon Meterparel as Dennis & Callahan FlashPerson—garners 31.8% of the vote, followed by Comcast's Nicole Zaloumis (23.9%), Erin Hawksworth (15.9%), Comcast's Mary Paoletti (14.8%), and former Oriole and Raven reporter (and Boston native) Jennifer Royle (13.6%). You can still vote in the "Heidi Replacement" poll to help find the new Red Sox sideline reporter HERE.

Sox And Empire At Bottom Of Spending List

Of the 23 teams who have spent money this off-season, the Red Sox rank 18th—shelling out only $4.35 million. The only fact more amazing is that the Evil Ones have spent even less ($4 million, 19th place). Two well-engineered, low-cost trades netted Bailey and Melancon, but a slew of free agents pitchers and right-fielders—players who could dramatically help the team—have been passed on. Many fans will be dazzled by the centennial events surrounding Fenway Park, but when they wake up, they may be faced with a third straight year out of the playoffs. As the CHBF might say, "I hope I'm wrong."

FN Poll: Who Should Replace Heidi Watney?

If POLL Not Visible, Click HERE

Red Sox One Of Five Still In On Garza

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Red Sox are one of five teams still in the running for landing Cubs right-hander Matt Garza. Heyman claims none of the five are "favorites", which leaves open the possibility that the Red Sox can somehow weave the Theo compensation claim into a trade for the gritty Garza—a perfect fit for the fourth or fifth spot in the Boston rotation. Despite some Pollyannas out there who think otherwise, there is a serious hole in the Red Sox rotation until they make a move like this. Assuming Buchholz will be 100% healthy after an untreated back fracture, and that Beckett and Lester will be healthy and effective simply defies history. And thinking Bard will make a smooth transition to starter, while certainly possible, is not a slam dunk. We need as much starting depth as possible come Spring Training.

Red Sox Not Seriously Looking To Upgrade

The Globe's Peter Abraham today states what has been evident for weeks now: the Red Sox will not sign any significant free agents this off-season. Get used to it, fans. The excuse of a dreaded luxury tax threshold (never an issue in the past) is being held out as the reason for what may amount to another Bridge Year in Boston. The Bailey and Melancon acquisitions were via the trade route, and agents are telling reporters that BenCher is window-shopping, but not buying. There are still two major holes on this team—another starter and a legitimate right-fielder. The idea that either of these will "fall to" the Red Sox in March sometime is ludicrous. Not a good start to the New Year.

Happy 2012 To All Of Our Readers!