Random Thoughts (January 27, 2009)

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that with the market not paying out big bucks to some free agents who expected to break the bank, one possibility will be for these players to seek out one-year deals to try and enhance their value for the 2009-10 offseason. Rosenthal specifically mentioned Adam Dunn, the slugging OF/1B of the Diamondbacks, as a possible target of the Red Sox. In the opinion of Rosenthal, Dunn would provide the Red Sox insurance against the injuries of David Ortiz and Mike Lowell. I am all for this. If Lowell is slow to recover from offseason hip surgery, the Sox could slide Kevin Youkilis to third and plug in Dunn at first. If Ortiz' production continues to decline because of age and injury (knee and wrist), then Dunn could be the new DH. Also, with the shaky history of J.D. Drew, the Sox could move Jason Bay from left to right field and put Dunn in the shadow of the Green Monster. This really is a no-brainer for Theo Epstein. Dunn would offer short-term insurance at three positions and could be traded if his services become unnecessary... According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have given Jason Varitek until Saturday to accept the teams proposed two-year contract. The free agent catcher, who has been with the Sox since 1997, could have made between $10-12 million for 2009 if he had accepted salary arbitration. However, Varitek and his agent, (the Evil) Scott Boras, decided to go to free agency. With his age reaching 40 and his batting average reaching .200, the market for 'Tek never materialized and now he faces making short money while the Sox look for a long term replacement behind the plate. If 'Tek turns down the offer, it will be another message to sports fans that even the players that we believe will never leave town are really just about the money. Hopefully #33 won't fall into that category... With Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen heating up and the team's defense returning to its 2008 Finals form, the Celtics have won eight straight games. Doc Rivers believes his team is actually playing better ball in this recent stretch than when they won 19 consecutive games earlier this season. I still believe that if the Celtics are to repeat as champions, they need another big man, preferably Joe Smith... The Stephon Marbury rumors won't stop and although I was 100% against the C's signing "Starbury" if he were released by the Knicks, I am relenting just a little bit on that stance. For a short term (3-4 months) playing with his former best bud Kevin Garnett, Marbury could provide the C's with an actual backup point guard, allowing for Eddie House to worry strictly about shooting the ball and for Tony Allen to worry about nothing... Media day at the Super Bowl is today. I don't know if he's there or not but I always loved Bill Simmons' running diary of this over-the-top extravaganza... Enjoy KG tonight...