Hot Stove Lunch: Logan on Boston's radar; sad story for former Met 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

As the Red Sox continue their stare-down with J.D. Martinez, another name has popped up as a potential alternative: Logan Morrison.

Morrison had a breakout year last season with 38 homers, the result of adjusting his swing to improve his launch angle. Morrison could probably be signed for a short-term deal at modest money and isn't a bad stopgap for the Sox.

But his addition would make for a crowded space at both first base and DH. Presumably, Mitch Moreland could continue to handle first base against righties, with Morrison and Hanley Ramirez splitting DH time and occasionally seeing time at first.

At a time when the Sox need more home run power in the lineup, Morrison represents an upgrade. But I'm a little skeptical of someone who had a career year at 29, having never hit as many as 20 homers in any of his previous six seasons. And that skepticism increases when you note that Morrison had a .931 OPS and 24 homers in the first half of last season before dipping to a .786 OPS and 14 homers in the second half.

Would Morrison make the Sox better? Marginally, perhaps. But he doesn't qualify as the impact player they've been seeking.

AL EAST

Greg Bird knows he has to show he can stay healthy for an entire season.

It was ten years ago that Adam Jones was traded to the Orioles.

The Rays are putting an emphasis on flexibility as they put together their roster.

New Blue Jays reliever Jake Petricka should feel right at home in Toronto.

AL CENTRAL

As spring training begins, the Indians are once again the clear favorites in their division.

Two former Royals stars -- Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas -- are still looking for contracts.

The White Sox hired Dave Duncan as a pitching consultant.

AL WEST

The A's have some decisions to make about their starting rotation.

There's plenty of competition for the Seattle rotation.

A look at the new coaching staff in Texas.

Five things to look for as the Astros get underway

NL

Former Mets shortstop and manager Bud Harrelson is in the fight of his life.

TAKE I MAY REGRET IN A MONTH:

I had the pleasure, about 15 years ago, of attending the Caribbean World Series in the Dominican Republic. It was a joyous experience, watching fans support their teams and the passion that was on display.

On Thursday, Puerto Rico rallied to take the Caribbean World Series for the second straight year. It marked the latest in a series of baseball victories for Puerto Rico: last November, several natives contributed to the Houston Astros' World Series title and Puerto Rican native Alex Cora was named manager of the Red Sox.

And now, this.

It's been an otherwise challenging time for Puerto Rico. The damage from Hurricane Maria last fall is still being felt. In some areas, power hasn't been restored. But as we've seen elsewhere, baseball has the ability to unify and distract from tragedy.

Here's hoping Thursday's celebration helped a bit, too.