Hot Stove Lunch: Cespedes a poor fit (again) for Red Sox; McCutchen talk heats up in NL 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

Esteemed New York Post baseball columnist Joel Sherman suggested earlier this week that perhaps the Mets, looking to improve their roster while being handcuffed by payroll limitations, might think about dealing Yoenis Cespedes to the Red Sox.

Sherman notes that Cespedes would give the Red Sox the power bat that they seek and also notes that Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski "loved Cespedes'' when Dombrowski had him in Detroit. (Recall that Dombrowski traded Rick Porcello to the Red Sox in exchange for Cespedes).

Sherman goes on to note that such a deal is highly unlikely because Cespedes has a no-trade clause in his contract and further observes that the Wilpons, owners of the Mets, would open themselves up for criticism by dealing off their highest-paid player.

From the Red Sox' standpoint, it would be a colossal blunder to re-acquire Cespedes. While it's true that Cespedes would provide power to the Boston lineup, he's also been notoriously injury prone. In the last two seasons, he's played in just 213 games. Also, Cespedes is often seemingly indifferent, as the Red Sox' 2014 coaching staff can attest.

Yes, the Sox need a big bat, and yes, the options would seem limited beyond free agent J.D. Martinez. But they're not that desperate.

AL EAST

The Yankees' infield may feature two rookies -- and that's OK with GM Brian Cashman.

Dan Connolly offers six moves the Orioles should make before the start of the season.

Perhaps the Blue Jays, like other teams, are waiting for a bargain.

AL CENTRAL

Did the Indians' first-round playoff elimination cost them payroll space for 2018? Paul Hoynes answers these questions and others.

The White Sox were involved in a three-team deal to improve their bullpen.

New Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire is reaching out to his players

AL WEST

The Angels are already at work on putting together a plan for Shohei Ohtani.

Texas reliever Jake Diekman was honored with an award.

Seattle GM Jerry Dipoto talks about the Mariners' rotation 

NL

The Mets and Giants have talked to the Pirates about a trade for OF Andrew McCutchen

TAKE I MAY REGRET IN A MONTH

Not long ago, Daniel Bard was one of the most talented relievers in baseball, called upon to get the tough, high-leverage outs in the seventh and eighth innings.

This week, he announce his retirement at the age of 32.

In this well-done story by Chris Cotillo, Bard talks about his struggles over the last five seasons to overcome injuries and inexplicable wildness, both of which combined to curtail his career.

Bard was one of the more intelligent and likable guys I ever covered. His story is a cautionary tale and a reminder of how quickly things can come crashing down. Here's hoping the best for him.