YankeesRedSox.com

Just regurgitating some news:

Bartolo looked good in a bullpen session yesterday.  I don't know about you, but I would feel much better letting him lock down the 5th spot in the rotation rather than let a one or more of Kyle Snyder, Julian Tavarez or a AAA option handle things.  Of course that means Clay Buchholz is not an option.  I think it might be best to start him in AAA having thought about it.  People are likely to have high expectations for Buchholz so starting in a lesser pressure situation might be best.  Of course, if the other options mentioned above don't pan out, Buchholz is the next best option.

Jonathan Papelbon and the Red Sox are talking about a long-term deal.  Certainly it would be nice to lock him up for a while, but at the same time, they can't let his current year overly influence further years pay.  In other words, don't give him too much now so that he can lay claim to larger amounts later.

The Red Sox are at approximately $129mm in payroll.  That covers 28 players expected to make up the 25-man roster and 3 others that could start the season on the DL or extended spring training or the minors.  That means the Red Sox have saved up some room to A.)  Extend players starting this year (i.e. potential front load) or bring on additional talent prior to the 2 trade deadlines.

Last year the Red Sox had an official payroll of $143,026,214.

There is some great back and forth between the Red Sox and Yankees ownership groups the past few days.  Despite not thinking much of Hank Steinbrenner's previous comments, I think he showed a sense of humor and class in discussing his relationship with John Henry.  I think if both sides keep this friendly, great.  If it turns in another direction though, I do wonder what that might mean for opposing fans in either Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park.