Today's links look at the patience being displayed by the Red Sox front office, a possible bounce-back year for Will Middlebrooks, and the Hall of Fame ballot.
Despite the conversation this offseason generally being dominated by possible new faces, Will Middlebrooks could be one of the biggest keys to the 2014 season. (Alex Speier; WEEI.com)
Boston's relative inactivity so far hasn't been fun to follow, but it could pay dividends. (Chad Finn; Boston.com)
David Ross had a hell of a ride this fall, but he says he's ready for things to get back to normal. (Gordon Edes; ESPN Boston)
Brian McCann would have been a nice get for the Red Sox, but his match with the Yankees may have made the most sense of any pairing this winter. (Bill Chuck; Gammons Daily)
Though McCann and Carlos Ruiz are off the market, the Red Sox still can take their pick to fill the hole behind the plate. (Scott Lauber; Boston Herald)
It's Hall of Fame season again, and this year's ballot is loaded. (Dave Cameron; Fangraphs)
Brian McCann may not be the only Red Sox target who winds up in New York. (Jason Mastrodonato; Masslive.com)
George Kottaras could have been an interesting backup plan at catcher, but he'll be heading to Chicago. (Aaron Gleeman; Hardball Talk)