One trade tidbit I missed, assuming it was printed elsewhere: the Red Sox recently inquired about the availability of Giants closer Armando Benitez. As you know, the Marlins were interested earlier this winter.
According to John Shea, Benitez still needs a lot of work to improve his velocity and location (and his location was never that great). Not that Benitez is any great shakes, but I can’t see how the Giants think they have a surplus of relievers. They really don’t have anyone who can take care of the ninth inning; I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tim Lincecum closing by June.
As for the Red Sox, Benitez is the ninth sounds like a disaster in the making. Maybe no more so than Joel Pineiro, but I don’t see the point. I suppose it’d be a reasonable gamble if Boston only needed to cover his salary.
