Hot Stove Lunch: Farrell speaks for first time since his firing; Boone set for introduction and more

This is a daily BSJ off-season feature that will arrive in time for your lunch, Monday-Friday.

A spin around the leagues with the latest news, notes, and rumors around Major League Baseball:

RED SOX:

John Farrell has emerged from exile.

Farrell is making the rounds today at MLB Network, appearing on three different shows throughout the day.

It's an interesting choice by Farrell, who has not spoken at all since his firing almost two months ago. Farrell has maintained an extremely low profile since the move, not commenting publicly at all -- until today.

Is today's set of appearances part of an audition for a larger role at MLB Network? That's possible. There are no managerial vacancies available, and like his friend and predecessor Terry Francona, Farrell may have decided that spending a year in broadcasting would be a fun way to pass the time until some additional openings become available after next season.

Francona enjoyed his time with ESPN and was actually quite good on the air, mixing his expertise with his usual self-deprecating humor. Can Farrell do the same? It's too soon to say, though Farrell isn't nearly as glib as Francona.

Farrell has his detractors locally, but it's hard to believe that someone who won three division titles and a championship in five seasons managing in Boston won't get a chance to manage again.

AL EAST:

Aaron Boone will be formally introduced as the manager of the New York Yankees today. Peter Botte has 10 questions for him.

With his late-in-the-off-season-hire, Boone has some catching up to do when it comes to putting together his coaching staff.

Are the Toronto Blue Jays for sale?

AL CENTRAL:

There's a lot of space to patrol in center at Comerica Park, so the Tigers signed outfielder Leonys Martin.

Facing some potential free agent defections from their bullpen, the Cleveland Indians signed Dan Otero to a two-year deal.

The Kansas City Royals also made a move to improve their bullpen depth.

AL WEST:

All eyes seem to be on the Mariners now in the Shohei Ohtani sweeptakes, and Larry Stone suggests there's reason for D. And may not be traded.

The Atlanta Braves were stripped of 13 international free agents last month, and Tuesday, the Los Angeles Angels signed the player who was considered the best of that group.

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

The St. Louis Cardinals signed a pitcher from Japan. No, not that one.

Derek Jeter pinky-swears that Giancarlo Stanton hasn't been traded yet. And may not be traded.

TAKE I MAY REGRET IN A FEW MONTHS:

Good work here by NBCSports Boston's Evan Drellich, who uncovered an incident involving Alex Cora last summer in which Cora got into a heated argument with a team broadcaster and later, manager A.J. Hinch.

It's worth noting, but I don't think it suggests that Cora won't be able to handle managing in Boston. These sorts of arguments happen fairly frequently over the course of a long season, and in this case, seems to be a one-off occurrence for Cora.