Hot Stove Lunch: Khris Davis off limits for Red Sox; Yanks look for pitching and more

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. --  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:

While every indication is that the Red Sox have targeted J.D. Martinez as their primary goal this off-season, the team continues to explore other avenues to improve its lineup.

Even as the Sox were preparing to meet with Martinez here, the Sox were inquiring about Oakland's Khris Davis as a trade option, according to San Francisco Chronicle. Davis has hit 85 homers over the last two years and done so in a pitcher's ballpark. Of course, he also strikes out a ton (195 times last year).

It made sense for the Sox to ask about Davis, since the A's are forever dealing off veterans as they become more expensive. Davis made $5 million and is projected to win about $11.1 million this time around, according to MLB TradeRumors.com's annual projections.

That's usually too pricey for Oakland, but the Sox -- and other teams -- were told that the A's would be holding onto Davis.

Oh well.

AL EAST:

After landing Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees aren't stopping. They're in the market for more starting pitching. Joel Sherman takes a look at the candidates and what each would cost.

The Yanks dumped some salary (Chase Headley) in a deal with the Padres, and obtained a young outfield prospects in return

Is Manny Machado next on the shopping Yankees' list?

Roch Kubatko takes a look at the Machado trade possibilities from the Orioles' perspective.

The Rays continue to make a few small moves, but they could be a precursor for bigger things to come, writes Marc Topkin.

The Blue Jays keep getting linked to a lot of names, but GM Ross Atkins isn't tipping his hand much.

If the Orioles move Machado, that could impact another third baseman in the division: Josh Donaldson.

AL CENTRAL:

The Indians lost a big piece from their bullpen when Bryan Shaw signed with Colorado

In the market for starting pitching, the Twins signed former Yankee Michael Pineda to a two-year deal.

The Tigers appear to be in total "sell'' mode and are listening to offers on Michael Fulmer.

Even as they prepare for 2018, the White Sox have their sights set down the road 

The Royals are resigned to losing free agent center fielder Lorenzo Cain and focused on who might replace him.

AL WEST:

How's this for a surprise? Turns out, Shoehei Ohtani has a damaged elbow.

The Rangers are talking to the Diamondbacks about Zack Greinke.

Jose Canseco found himself in hot water...again.

N.L.

After failing to land Stanton, the Cardinals find themselves chasing after another Marlins outfielder.

TAKE I MAY REGRET IN A MONTH

This weekend is an important one for the Red Sox, since it's when they begin selling tickets for the 2018 season. Ordinarily, by this time in the off-season, the Sox have made some moves of some significance to help gin up interest in the team.

This time? Nothing to date.

Dave Dombrowski said owners Tom Henry and Tom Werner understand the reasons behind this winter's glacial pace and are pledging their patience.

But after two straight quick playoff exits, a managerial firing and some bad off-field episodes last year, you just know that ownership wishes they had something shiny under the tree as the business of selling tickets gets underway.