Gonzalez Is Ahead Of Off-Season Schedule

Aside from a slight dip in productivity at the end of the year (due to fatigue in his surgically-repaired shoulder), Adrian Gonzalez was everything the Red Sox hoped for in 2011. The All-Star first baseman hit .338 with 27 HRs and 117 RBI for the Carmine Hose. In an interview with ESPNBoston.com, Gonzo revealed that he is ahead of his normal off-season conditioning routine and looks forward to avoiding any late season fatigue issues in 2012. He's generally excited about the prospects for next year—mostly the return of fellow lefty David Ortiz. With another year in the AL under his belt and a fully recovered shoulder, there's no telling what heights Gonzalez can achieve.

Beltran To Choose 2012 Team This Week

Assuming the Red Sox are still in the mix for Carlos Beltran (something only BenCher knows), they might just get a right-fielder for Christmas. Reports suggest that the 34-year old switch-hitting outfielder will choose his 2012 team this week. Beltran hit .300 in shared duty for the Mets and Giants last year—with a .385 OBP. It's unclear whether Boston wants to commit to two or three years with the oft-injured Beltran, or move instead to a platoon with the likes of Andruw Jones (who can switch-off with Josh Reddick and/or Ryan Kalish).

From Drew To Andruw In Right Field?

Reports out of New York suggest that the Red Sox are serious about signing former Brave, Ranger, Dodger and Yankee Andruw Jones to at least platoon in right field. Jones hit .286, with 8 HRs against southpaws in 2011—and compiled an impressive a .384 OBP against port-siders. Potentially, both Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick could share duties with Jones—or more likely, one of the young lefties could be dealt.

Winter Solstice: Still No Theo Compensation

On October 12th, ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the deal was done for Theo Epstein to become the President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs. Theo officially resigned and took the new post on October 21st—two full months ago. And yet, Boston has not received any compensation for that move (aside from a goofy promise that Theo won't hire away any more Boston staff for three years). Remember Bud Selig's threat to unilaterally intervene if the two sides couldn't agree by the Winter Meetings? Where's Bud? And, as the Cubs start seriously talking about trades—wouldn't some of the pieces they'd be dealing potentially be of interest to the Red Sox? What the heck is going on? BenCher has recently poo-pooed the whole fiasco as an unimportant sidelight to the bigger issues both teams have to address. But, this is getting ridiculous. The Red Sox should demand adequate compensation by year's end or specifically ask Bud to make it happen.

Oswalt May Be Back On Red Sox Radar

With word that Roy Oswalt is willing to accept a one-year deal, teams like the Red Sox are back in the picture. Oswalt would be a good fit as fifth starter in the Boston rotation. The 34-year old Oswalt started 23 games for Philadelphia last year—going 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA. He gave up 153 hits in 139 innings—not very good when you consider he also walked 33. But, given the alternatives, he might be the best option left for the procrastinating Red Sox.

Sox (Finally) Focus On A Real Closer

The Red Sox may have a combination Hanukkah/Christmas gift for their fans—they're actually seriously focusing on a closer! WEEI.com's Alex Speier reports that Boston is one of four teams considering one of the few remaining real closers—Francisco Cordero. The Reds closer saved 37 games last year—although his strikeout per inning rate plummeted. Supposedly, the Red Sox are willing to dangle a multi-year deal. Of course, their leverage has been significantly reduced as the off-season continued and the field of closers dwindled.

FN Poll: Lack Of Closer Is Biggest Concern

The early results to our latest FenwayNation Poll show that readers are most ticked off by the lack of a Red Sox closer (43.8%) at this stage of the off-season. The next highest area of concern is the fact that we have no fifth starter (25.0%), followed by no right fielder (14.8%) and no pitching coach (11.7%). Less than one percent (0.8%) had other unspecified concerns, while only 3.9% were so unconcerned with the Red Sox off-season that they were "happy as a clam". You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Texas Confounds Everyone-Wins Yu Bidding

Reports suggest that it was the Texas Rangers who submitted the record-breaking high bid to land Japanese Pitcher Yu Darvish. Texas posted a $51.7 million bid, surpassing the Toronto Blue Jays. The Nippon Ham Fighters will accept the bid. ESPN's Buster Olney was the first to suggest, earlier today, that it might be the Rangers.

Ham Fighters To Accept Darvish Bid

Reports suggest that the Nippon Ham Fighters will accept the winning bid for Yu Darvish. The announcement of who won the bidding will come later tonight.