Hot Stove Lunch: Henry Owens may not be done with Red Sox; Boone's famous homer a factor in hiring & 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

Henry Owens may be on the verge of being outrighted — which is to say, taken off the 40-man roster — but this move may not be as noteworthy as it first seems.

First, an industry source indicated that it's the Red Sox hope to have Owens remain in the organization. Should he clear waivers, the Sox could outright him to Pawtucket and keep him in the system. That would presumably buy him additional time to continue to work on a new delivery, one in which he drops his arm slot down in order to achieve better command.

Second, another baseball source rejected the idea that clearing Owens from the roster signaled that the Sox have an imminent signing (or trade) coming that would require a roster spot. Instead, the source suggested, it may be that the Red Sox see this as a good time to try to "sneak'' Owens through waivers, while other teams are dealing with upcoming arbitration-eligible players, preparing for the winter meetings, and in the case of at least seven teams, positioning themselves for pursuit of Shohei Ohtani.

It's unclear whether Owens will get through waivers, or, for that matter, if there's anything worth salvaging. He posted an 8.86 ERA in 21.1 innings pitched in the AFL last month, with 13 walks and five hit batsman.

But despite the move, it doesn't appear the Sox have totally given up on him yet.

AL EAST

Ken Davidoff says a certain homer hit by Aaron Boone in the 2003 ALCS played a role in Boone being named manager of the Yankees.

Mike Mazzeo takes a look at what made Boone the Yankees' choice.

If the Blue Jays are indeed for sale, the Toronto Star takes a look at what it might mean for the franchise.

Desperate for starting pitching, the Orioles could be looking to re-unite with Miguel Gonzalez.

AL CENTRAL

Since the Minnesota Twins aren't in the running for Shohei Otahni, they've shipped some of their international bonus pool money to two teams who are -- and got some intriguing prospects in return.

The Detroit Tigers are taking some heat for signing catcher Derek Norris -- who was suspended after allegations of domestic assault -- but GM Alex Avila defended the move.

Faced with the prospect of having to rebuild because of massive free agent defections, the Kansas City Royals will be in proactive mode at next week's winter meetings.

AL WEST

The Oakland A's, who play in the worst ballpark in either league, saw their efforts to find a new home derailed Wednesday.

The Texas Rangers, one of the teams meeting with Ohtani this week, could be on the verge of making history.

The Mariners continue to stockpile money in their pursuit of Ohtani.

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

The Dodgers and Giants are the National League's version of the Red Sox and Yankees -- they compete on everything. Now, they may be in a battle over Giancarlo Stanton.

HOT TAKE I MAY REGRET IN A FEW MONTHS:

So, Rafael Palmeiro is mulling a comeback. At 53. That's right - fifty-three.

Put aside the absurdity and how completely unrealistic this how venture appears and see it for what it likely is: Palmeiro's attempt to reset the clock on his Hall of Fame eligibility. Should he make it back to a major league roster, that could enable Palmeiro to get another crack at ballot eligibility five years after he retires, again.

Palmeiro is likely thinking that, with younger voters taking part and PED-linked stars getting more support every year, if he just waits long enough, he'll get into Cooperstown. I'd say that bid has as much chance of succeeding as his comeback does.