All Quiet On The Bosox Front, For Now

Things have been relatively quiet with the Red Sox this offseason, so there hasn't been much to report. One trade, no free agent signings as of yet. But once the first big free agent makes a deal (and that should be around the time of the Winter Meetings next month), things will get cooking.

I don't get into all the rumor stuff, as you just don't know who to believe when it comes to that.

But the Sox did promote third base coach DeMarlo Hale to bench coach, replacing Brad (not Brian, Peter Golenbock) Mills, who departed to become Houston Astros manager. Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson is becoming first base coach, as Tim Bogar will move over to third base coach. Hale did a fine job as third base coach, as you rarely heard his name mentioned, that means he was doing the job. All other coaches will be back for 2010.

Throw away those old Jacoby Ellsbury jerseys. Since Mills vacated the premises, Ellsbury has taken his old number, 2.

J.D. Drew had shoulder surgery last week, and it was a relatively minor procedure, and will be ready for spring training.

Jason Bay turned down a 4-year, $60 million deal from the Red Sox, shortly before he was able to negotiate with other teams late last week. Smart move by him, as he and his agent want to see what interested clubs will offer him. My gut feeling is is that bay will be back in Boston.

The Red Sox raised ticket prices for 2010, as the most expensive seats, like the box and Monster seats went up $5, and the bleachers and lower grandstand went up by $2. Well, you know they weren't going to be frozen forever.