Hot Stove Lunch: Red Sox' five-year offer for Martinez leaves Boras wanting more; Hosmer in demand 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 Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Red Sox have made a five-year offer to J.D. Martinez.  The value is the deal is unknown, but what is known is that it's not an acceptable offer according to agent Scott Boras.

Boras continues to hold out for a seven-year deal for Martinez, while the Red Sox don't appear inclined to go beyond five guaranteed years.

That seems like a smart stance by the Red Sox. Why go to seven years -- or, for that matter, six -- when there doesn't appear to be much of a market for Martinez. At some point, the Red Sox would be bidding only against themselves. In the past, that's come back to haunt them.

It's clear that Martinez is the best free agent hitter remaining on the market. And if the Sox truly dig their heels in on these negotiations, they run the risk of having to go after a lesser hitter (Jay Bruce? Logan Morrison?) or, entering the season as is and adding a hitter at the deadline.

But there's a risk for Boras (and Martinez), too. If they get late into January and Boras can't find a team willing to go more than five years, do they take a "pillow'' contract and re-enter the market next year? That carries its own risk, since he'd be competing with Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson.

The staredown is underway.

AL EAST 

Joel Sherman on which teams got better and which teams got worse since the start of last year.

Alex Rodriguez has two networks fighting over him.

Some former Orioles are finding it to be tough going on the free agent market.

AL CENTRAL

The White Sox are one of a number of teams with an interest in a former Korean star.

The Tigers' lineup doesn't look very imposing, writes Lynn Henning.

Eric Hosmer has multiple seven-year deals from which to choose.

AL WEST

Adrian Beltre has been a superb third baseman, but is it time for him to switch positions?

The A's could face some tough roster decisions ahead.

NL

It continues to be ugly for new owner Derek Jeter in Miami