Hot Stove Lunch: Steven Wright could be an important piece for Red Sox bullpen

For all the talk -- and worry -- about the Red Sox bullpen this winter, there's been little discussion about Steven Wright.

While much of the focus has, understandably, been on who will close games for the Sox, Wright has become somewhat of a forgotten man.

That, too, makes sense. After all, Wright's 2018 season was a strange one. It began with him serving a suspension for an off-season incident and it continued with his knee flaring up, including the very day the postseason was to begin.

But in between, Wright posted a 2.68 ERA and held opposing batters to a mere .210 average.

If Wright can maintain his health this season, he could be used in any number of roles -- from spot starter, to multi-inning reliever to, perhaps, even closer. He's versatile, willing to contribute in any way he can and obviously represents a unique contrast on a staff that is studded with hard-throwing relievers who all throw 95 mph or more.

That's dependent on improved health, of course. Wright underwent a similar surgery to the one performed on teammate Dustin Pedroia, and there's no guarantee that at age 34, he'll be able to hold up over an entire season.

But with additional time to recover this offseason, it's expected that Wright's knee will be stronger and more stabilized. And like his signature pitch, he may able to sneak up on people and surprise everyone with a bigger contribution in 2019.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST

Former Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd likes what the Yankees have done this winter.

Two outfielders are hoping to crack the Orioles' lineup.

Big things are expected for two Rays prospects.

Dalton Pomey is running out of chances with the Blue Jays.

AL CENTRAL

A chat with Indians pitching coach Carl Willis.

The Twins rebuild has stalled out.

A prospect with a familiar name offers hope for the Tigers.

The White Sox are in the hunt for bullpen upgrades.

AL WEST 

Jay Bruce seems like a forgotten man in Seattle.

Delino DeSheilds is ready for spring training.

There's a battle to become the Angels' fourth outfielder.

A look at the Astros roster heading into spring training.

Could Steven Vogt return to the A's?

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Is a trade for J.T. Realmuto finally close?

HOT TAKE I MAY SOON REGRET

Today would have been the 100th birthday of Jackie Robinson, who not only changed baseball when he became the first player of color in 1947, but also, changed America.

Better than 60 years later, it's impossible to overstate Robinson's impact on the game, sports in general and our culture. He was -- and is -- one of the towering figures in American history over the last century.

His legacy lives on, of course, and he is properly celebrated by Major League Baseball every year. But I can't help but feel that when Robinson passed at the too-young age of 53, we lost a lot. Imagine how much Robinson had to offer us.