Hot Stove Lunch: Steve Phillps gives edge to New York's starting rotation

It seems a given that the Yankees -- by virtue of adding/re-signing Adam Ottavino and Zach Britton to a group that already included Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances and others -- have a vastly superior bullpen to the Red Sox.

But former MLB GM Steve Phillips raised some eyebrows recently when he suggested that the Yanks also have an edge over the Sox when it comes to the starting rotation.

Phillips notes that Chris Sale experienced shoulder woes, points out that Nathan Eovaldi has been inconsistent throughout his career and is unsure of what to expect from David Price.

His comments have some merit, of course. But the Yankees aren't without their own question marks. Both Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka have been up-and-down. CC Sabathia has had health concerns and no one is sure how James Paxton will adapt to pitching in New York and going from a great pitcher's ballpark in Seattle to a hitter's paradise in the Bronx.

And yes, there are concerns about the Sox' rotation. Sale must prove he can hold up for an entire season. Price must build on his October success. Eovlaldi has to deliver after signing a big contract. Eduardo Rodriguez has been a tease.

But given the choice, I'd take the Sox' starters over those of the Yankees. To me, their ceiling is considerably higher.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST 

Adam Ottavino is preparing for his new role with the Yankees.

The Orioles have some hope for 2019.

The Rays have extended a bunch of invites to non-roster players.

A look at the breakout season experienced by Blue Jays' prospect Kevin Smith.

AL CENTRAL

The Indians can still boast of having one of the best starting rotations.

Seven minor league free agents were signed by the Twins.

Kirk Gibson has been named a special assistant to the GM by the Tigers.

Tim Anderson would welcome Manny Machado to the south side, but not at shortstop.

The Royals made a commitment to Whit Merrifield.

AL WEST 

Alex Bregman isn't afraid to predict big things for the Astros.

Yet another potential Red Sox bullpen target is off the market.

Who should be considered the Angels ace?

A closer look at the A's new ballpark proposal.

Hunter Strickland got a deal with Seattle.

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

The Phillies are trying to be patient with a couple of big free agents.

HOT TAKE I MIGHT SOON REGRET

Former Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia announced his retirement Monday. Saltalamacchia had bounced around with a handful of organizations (Marlins, Diamondbacks, Tigers, Blue Jays) after leaving the Red Sox and never enjoyed the kind of success that he had in Boston.

In his retirement, Saltalamacchia made special mention of his time with the Red Sox.

''I want to especially thank Theo Epstein, Ben Cherington and ownership of the Boston Red Sox for believing in me so much that they brought me over to fill the shoes of my childhood idol and mentor Jason Varitek,'' Saltalamacchia wrote in a Facebook post. "I can tell you playing besides him and putting on the Red Sox jersey and playing the position of Red Sox greats like the captain and Carlton Fisk was humbling and an honor!! To win a World Series is one thing but to win it in front of the iconic baseball fans of Boston is truly my most memorable moment!''

Saltalamacchia was the Red Sox' starting catcher during the 2013 season, but during the World Series, David Ross assumed that role. Still, Saltalamacchia's contributions that year were critical for the Sox reaching the Series.