Great, thanks alot Darren.

So if no relief pitchers are the focus (and they shouldn't be, we have enough nice arms, unless of course they REALLY like one), what positions should we go after?

Cora has too much guaranteed money coming to him, so I doubt any MI types fit the bill. Youkilis, Mirabelli, and Stern (after all they did to keep him last year) aren't going anywhere either. So, unless Lowell is dealt, I'm guessing it's an OFer or less likely a 1B. With Kapler back in the fold around May 15, and Stern also being able to be sent down around then, you take an OFer and on May 15 you pick two of Stern/Kapler/Rule 5.

I suppose a 1B is possible too, if he can even remotely handle the outfield -- but not having the 5th guy who can at least fake the OF is unlikely.

So, what OFers do people like?

KAPLER! Is he signed?

I imagine Dave Roberts is fine for next year, then we can reevaluate where Ellsbury is next year and either get another stopgap or pursue a bigger fish if one becomes available.

I'd want more insurance than Stern though if we sign Roberts. How much would a Marlon Byrd cost to have around as a 5th OF?

isn't andrade on the blue jays roster?

Hey Joe,

From Rotoworld on Nov 19....

Gabe Kapler (Achilles' tendon) will be re-signed to a minor league contract by the Red Sox. He hopes to be ready to play in spring training.

Apparently, the Red Sox guaranteed Kapler $850,000 in 2006 when they brought him back from Japan in July. He'll get his money, but the team released him yesterday in order to gain a 40-man roster spot. Because he was released, he won't be eligible to rejoin the major league club until May 15.

So yeah, he'll be in the mix at some point. I'd like a Byrd type acquisition as well -- really any OFer, but I guess someone who could fake CF as well. No one really stands out from the OF class to me, at least from the Rule 5 RSN list, so perhaps a trade or signing is the better way to go.

Can we get Ben Johnson in the SD trade? I'd "settle" for him instead of Otsuka. Not a CFer, but is righty (hello Trot) and has hit well.

Levski,

No, he was outrighted to the minors last December. He went unclaimed, got stuck in Double-A again (no idea why), and dominated as usual. I will refrain from any further discussion on him, as a Darren-whipping is a horrifying thought.

Courtesty of Matthew Pouliot's Rule 5 writeup over at Rotoworld.com (link pending), there looks to be two players who look like good candidates for the 4th/5th OF spot.

Ben Francisco, CF, Indians

Hit 307/.357/.474 in Double-A last year, just turned 24 years old, right handed, adequate center fielder, has some speed. Very similar to the Stern pick from last year.

Adam Boeve, OF, Pirates

More of a power hitter, has only 160 at-bats above A ball. Enough speed to go 33-for-38 in 287 minor league games, hit 385/536 for Hickory in 2004, then hit 419/538 in 249 at-bats for Lynchburg this year. Was promoted to Double-A Altoona, but hit just 375/450 in those 160 at-bats. He's right-handed, but I'm unsure if he can handle CF. Turns 26 in June. Rotoworld likes him.

KAPLER! Is he signed?

he's broken.

According to soxprospects.com, there are several other players in the Sox system eligible for the Rule 5 draft, one of whom - Chris Durbin - might be as good an option as a 4th/5th outfielder as anyone else available in the draft. Durbin has put up better numbers than Murphy for the last couple of years and even when they were at Baylor, the put up similar numbers.

"He's right-handed, but I'm unsure if he can handle CF."

He can't. According to WTM, he also can't handle breaking balls, so caveat emptor...

Durbin was drafted in 2003 and is eligible for the draft.

Durbin was considered the superior defender in college (both range and arm) and still is in some quarters (BA named Durbin the top defensive outfielder in the org in last year's top 30 review), though he went through a bit of a rough spell this past season.

Murphy's a better athlete, Durbin's a (marginally) better ball player (for now).

Durbin was over 19 when he signed and this is the third Rule 5 draft since he signed in 2003, therefore he's eligible - as were Murphy and Moss until they were added to the 40 man.

Murphy is definitely the toolsier player, but you could argue that Durbin has had the better track record, both in college and as a pro. From what I've heard and the very little I've seen on TV, Durbin has better range, Murphy a better arm. Durbin's AA numbers last year weren't as good as Stern's in 2004, but they each had 35 BB in 394 AB, and pretty similar K rates (58 for Stern, 67 for Durbin). Durbin has more power, Stern better speed. Both are considered good defensive outfielders. It'll be interesting to see which - if either - of these guys pan out, wheter or not Durbin is selected in the Rule 5.

You guys should pick up James Pidutti. Pidutti's a screwed-on kid with great control and live arm. I batted against him at Contra Costa last year and he was bringing 93 MPH heat with a nasty splitter. Good luck, James!!!

Nice one, Walewander.

Ben Fransisco looks good. I hope if they take him, it's with the intention of actually using him. I'm sick of the Rule 5/DL dance.