Hot Stove Lunch: Remy on path to recovery; Yanks not guaranteed pennant 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

According to the Boston Globe, Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy is "about halfway through radiation treatment'' for lung cancer, after having undergone chemotherapy last fall.

Remy is reportedly feeling better and the hope is that he's ready to return to work by the time spring training arrives.

That's encouraging news for Remy and the many fans who enjoy his work on NESN. Remy's battles have been well-documented over the last half-dozen years or so. Nearly every year in that span, Remy's missed some work because of health issues, either relating to some depression or cancer treatments.

The news that he's apparently on the way to recovery is uplifting, especially with catchers and pitchers set to report in a little over a month and a half.

The season -- and certain Red Sox' telecasts -- aren't the same without Remy. Here's hoping for improved health and a full-season behind the microphone.

AL EAST:

Yes, writes Mike Lupica, the Yankees are loaded with talent. But that represents no guarantees for them in 2018.

Rock Kubatko wonders: could the Orioles make Zach Britton a starter again?

The Blue Jays would just as soon forgot all about 2017.

AL CENTRAL

Terry Pluto takes a look at why the Indians decided on Yonder Alonso as the replacement for Carlos Santana.

The Twins found some experienced bullpen help

AL WEST:

New Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani said goodbye to his former team in Japan.

Is it possible that Matt Bush could be shifted from the bullpen to the rotation?

Dee Gordon isn't wasting any tine making the transition from the infield to the outfield

NL

The Mets may -- or may not -- be listening to trade proposals for Juan Lagares.

TAKE I MAY REGRET IN A MONTH:

Last week, I wrote about the contentious interview between ESPN Radio host Dan Le Batard and commissioner Rob Manfred, during which Le Batard got worked up that MLB hadn't done a better job of determining the plans of the new Miami ownership group before approving them as buyers.

I thought it was disingenuous on Le Batard's part, since the Marlins have been stripped and sold off many times over and at least this time around, Derek Jeter and Co. seem to have a long-term plan in place.

Now comes word that Manfred complained to ESPN management about the interview.

Sorry, commissioner, but as much as I thought Le Batard's premise was faulty and his stance full of grandstanding, being the head of MLB means sometimes you have to face questioning you may not like. And the troubling thing here is this: do you think Manfred would have seen fit to complain if ESPN was not a rights holder?