Hot Stove Lunch: Price should pay attention when Pedro speaks; MLB mourns Towers 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

David Price could learn a lot from Pedro Martinez. Heck, any pitcher could learn a lot from the immortal Martinez.

But in particular, Price could learn a lot about being a pro athlete in Boston. Price has, frankly, appeared miserable at times in his first two seasons in Boston. He feuded with reporters, broadcasters and seemingly nearly everyone who crossed his path.

Martinez is a reminder that it doesn't have to be that way. Sure, Martinez had his moments, too, not all of them positive. But he was able to see the big picture, understand that life in Boston can be different, and ultimately, came to love his experience.

Martinez had some words of advice for Price recently. Seems to me that Price would be wise to listen to anything Pedro has to offer.

AL EAST

Clint Frazier unsure of where he stands with Yankees.

A look at the changes in the Orioles infield.

The Rays quickly cut ties with their longtime team physician

The Blue Jays outfield is crowded, but Ezekiel Carrera figures he'll fit in somehow

AL CENTRAL

Mike Clevinger is focused on cracking the Cleveland rotation.

A reliever in the Tigers bullpen is expecting a bigger role this season.

The Twins are still in the running for free agent Yu Darvish

A closer look at the pitchers the Royals got in their recent deal with the A's

AL WEST

The A's got themselves a quality pitching prospect by taking on the salary of Brandon Moss.

Jon Niese signed a minor league deal with the Rangers.

Five reasons to be optimistic about the 2018 Mariners.

Can the Astros be improved over last season?

NL

Longtime Padres (and Diamondbacks) GM Kevin Towers dies of cancer

TAKE I MAY REGRET IN A MONTH

I won't claim to have known Kevin Towers as a friend. But over the years, I spoke to him regularly and always found him to be helpful, informative and entertaining.

At a time when a lot of baseball executives are cloistered in secrecy, Towers was endlessly accessible and friendly. He didn't treat his job as though he was managing state secrets or part of some covert operation. Baseball - for all the high stakes -- was supposed to be fun, and Towers made sure it stayed that way.

Some GMs can't wait to get off the phone, but Towers was never that way. I remember one conversation in which he asked for some recommendations about an upcoming vacation to the Cape he was taking with his wife. There was, after all, more to life than just business.

It's too bad that Kevin Towers didn't get to enjoy more of that life. RIP.