Hot Stove Lunch: Red Sox president hoping for thaw; Boone embraces Yanks' target 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

It's officially February today, so we're getting close to the point where it's tough to say it's still baseball's off-season. Technically, spring training doesn't start for another two weeks, but that time is drawing near.

And yet, there are still approximately 115 unsigned free agents looking for jobs. While some thought that the signing of Lorenzo Cain last week might start a domino effect of signings, that hasn't happened a week later.

Red Sox president Sam Kennedy told NBCSports Boston that baseball could experience a "mad dash of mad signings'' in the next few weeks, as players and agents realize that the season is about to start without them.

That same theory was forecast here last weekend - at some point, the logjam will have to break. So far, that's been unrealized.

Does Kennedy know something we don't? Are the Red Sox close to a deal with J.D. Martinez or someone else? Who knows?

(Agent Scott Boras was due into town Friday to take part in some charity events associated with "Hot Stove, Cool Music'' this weekend, but has cancelled his appearance. That would have seemed to present an opportunity to make some headway on a deal for Martinez, but now, who knows?)

AL EAST

New manager Aaron Boone said the Yankees have to embrace the role as favorites.

Two Orioles starters talk about being the only set pitchers  in the Baltimore rotation.

Ryan Tepera doesn't have to worry about winning a job this spring.

AL CENTRAL

Michael Martinez will miss six months with an injury

Mike Fiers is set to start over again with the Tigers.

Former major leaguer Oscar Gamble passed away at 68

The Twins have a lot of ground to make up in the division.

AL WEST

A look at the Angels outfield this season

Could Nelson Cruz see a little time at first base?

Should ARod be forgiven by Rangers' fans?

Brandon Moss is excited about returning to Oakland

NL

Alex Avila signed a two-year deal with the Diamondbacks.

TAKE I MAY REGRET IN A MONTH:

This took longer than it should have, but on Thursday morning, Major League Baseball announced that all 30 of its teams will have protective netting in place that goes beyond both dugouts when the 2018 season starts.

There have been too many instances of fans being seriously injured in recent years for baseball to ignore the danger that can come with sitting close to the playing field.

Some teams were slow to adapt the suggestion, but MLB has intervened and apparently made it mandatory. The Red Sox, who had extended netting last season, had already announced plans to do so further for this season.

A few season-ticket holders may not like their sightlines hampered with the netting. But that's a small price to pay to guarantee the safety of all.