Hot Stove Lunch: Extension for Betts looking like a long shot

If anyone thought that the recent agreement between the Red Sox and Mookie Betts to avoid salary arbitration might set the foundation for talks to extend Betts on a long-term deal, it may be time to re-think that position.

On Saturday at Winter Weekend at Foxwoods, Betts politely but clearly dismissed that notion.

"No, I don't think so,'' he said in matter-of-fact way, when asked if one agreement might lead to another more significant one.

Understand that Betts is offering no angry ultimatums or declaring his intent to leave Boston when he qualifies for free agency after the 2020 season. Betts repeated that he loves Boston, his teammates and the fans and there's no reason to dispute his assertion.

But increasingly, it's become obvious that Betts doesn't seem all that interested in talking contract before free agency. Twice before, he's rebuffed the Red Sox' attempts at an extension.

Every time the question is posed, he does his best to politely deflect it, note that he's really only focused on getting ready for what's next and quickly change the topic.

That doesn't mean that he's not interested in remaining in a Red Sox uniform. It doesn't mean he won't sign a new deal.

But all evidence suggests that he's going to see what else is out there on the open market first.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST

The Yankees and Reds are racing the clock trying to get a deal done involving Sonny Gray.

Can the Orioles fix Chris Davis?

The Rays have an interest in free agent utility man Josh Harrison.

The Blue Jays are unsure of whether Aaron Sanchez will be ready at the start of spring training.

AL CENTRAL

Can the Indians spend any more money this winter?

The Twins made some changes to their offseason program.

The Tigers are hoping that Jake Rogers can improve his offensive game.

Trade talks continue between the White Sox and Dodgers.

AL WEST

Elvis Andrus is bullish on the Rangers.

Is it possible that the Angels' stadium issue could impact their signing Mike Trout?

Here are three Astros with the most at stake in spring training.

It doesn't appear as though Shawn Kelley will remain with the A's.

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

Free agent OF A.J. Pollock and the Dodgers look like a good fit.

HOT TAKE I MIGHT SOON REGRET

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe took a look at the way teams have, sadly, been casting aside veteran scouts in recent years. Many have been laid off as more and more teams rely heavily on analytics rather than the evaluations of veteran scouts.

Some scouts have required financial assistance to pay bills and make mortgage payments. Dozens have lost their jobs in recent years.

It doesn't have to be this way. Sure, analytics are a huge part of the game in 2019 and no one would argue their significance. But the most successful organizations -- the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs and others -- have done well by combining data with the input from scouts, who can offer more than just numbers.

Here's to hoping this sad trend gets reversed, though I'm afraid I'm not holding out much hope.