Hot Stove Lunch: Red Sox call to bullpen on hold; Machado rumors 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:

While most of the Red Sox' interest this off-season centers around obtaining a run-producing bat, the team does have other needs.

The Sox could use additional infield options, perhaps some starting rotation depth, and definitely some bullpen help. There was a run on relievers at the winter meetings, with almost a dozen deals signed: Bryan Shaw, Tommy Hunter, Steve Cishek, Brandon Morrow, Jake McGee, Juan Nicasio, Luke Gregerson and Anthony Swarzak all came off the board.

Now, it could well be argued that the Red Sox are set with righthanded relief help. They have (deep breath) Craig Kimbrel, Carson Smith, Joe Kelly, Matt Barnes, Austin Maddox, Heath Hembree, Tyler Thornburg and others on hand.

But they could surely use an experienced lefty, and watched as Mike Minor (although he may start) and McGee signed deals in the last 10 days.

Dave Dombrowski noted that the Sox had checked in on McGee, but added that the Red Sox were more focused on finding a bat.

And sure, a bat is their chief need. But because they're closely monitoring the slugger market, does that mean that they can't also get a lefty reliever? Why does one exclude the other? Even as the salaries climb for non-closers, itns' not as if signing McGee or the still-unsigned Tony Watson is going to leave the Sox without the necessary funds for a bat.

AL EAST

If the Yankees are going to obtain a quality starting pitcher in a trade, it may require them to part with outfield prospect Clint Frazier.

John Harper of the New York Daily News takes a look at how the Red Sox are planning to respond to the Yankees.

If the Orioles are going to move Manny Machado, it may take some time.

The Rays haven't made any blockbuster deals this winter, but at least they have a sense of their options after the winter meetings.

The Jays made a Rule 5 pick.

AL CENTRAL

The Indians did a lot of talking and listening...but not much else at the winter meetings.

The Royals are assessing where they are after the winter meetings.

Paul Sullivan writes that trading for Machado makes little sense for the White Sox.

Old friend Victor Martinez has a year left with the Tigers and they think he could still help them

Fernando Rodney, ageless closer, signed a one-year deal with the Twins.

AL WEST

Sean Manaea is hoping for a bounce-back season in 2018 for the A's

There's still time for the Texas Rangers to make some moves this off-season, says GM Jon Daniels.

The Astros are taking a chance on Anthony Gose -- as a pitcher, not an outfielder.

NL

Much of what the Cubs have done this off-season has focused on pitching. On Thursday, they added another reliever.

HOT TAKE I MAY REGET IN A MONTH:

Scott Miller of Bleacher Report theorizes that MLB is better when the Yankees are good -- and hated by everyone outside of New York. Can't say I disagree.

It's the same in other sports, too. When you have a high-profile franchise doing well, it seems to stir up interest. Happens with the Cowboys or Patriots in the NFL, and the Canadiens in the NHL and the Celtics/Lakers in the NBA.

Red Sox fans may prefer the Yankees at the bottom of the division, but deep down, I think most agree that a little hate is good for the rivalry, and, in the long run, good for the sport.