YankeesRedSox.com

Well that bell you heard at midnight was the start of free agency in Major League Baseball.  Or it was last call at whatever pub some of you booze-bags were drinking.  Either way, you can expect the rumors to start flying.

For Red Sox fans, there is no real indication what they are going to do.  For C.C. Sabathia, I think you'll see the Red Sox mentioned if and only if there appears to be no one competing with the Yankees for his services.  Basically they'll get involved only to drive up the price and only if needed.  If the Yankees immediately big 6-years at $150mm, then mission already accomplished.

I think the same applies with Mark Teixeira although I would not be surprised to see a sincere push by the Red Sox.  Obviously you have the corner infield positions manned already, but Teixeira is a better hitter than Lowell or Youkilis (from a career standpoint, not necessary based on just 2008).

The Yankees trading for Nick Swisher is a head scratcher a may signal a lack of interest in bidding for both Sabathia and Teixeira.  Swisher has good power and obp, but his lack of batting average is starting to bring down his obp and he might just be depth at this point, as Peter speculated yesterday.

Derek Lowe to me makes sense assuming he isn't looking for $15mm a year.  Lowe has a proven track record of being able to play in Boston.  He has made it known, if we are to believe reports, that he would love to play in Boston.  At 35, he isn't likely to be the same pitcher he was 10 years ago, but he has never had a major health issue since being a full time starter.

The Red Sox have salary to play with, even in this economy.  I see them adding bench players and maybe 1 major free agent signing, but that is all.

More to come as news hits.