Q&A with MLB Trade Rumors founder Tim Dierkes about Red Sox and Yankees off-season possibilities

I have several regular stops across the baseball blogosphere. For detailed information about Red Sox minor leaguers, SoxProspects.com is a favorite. When I need to research a player's contract, Cot's Baseball Contracts (www.mlbcontracts.blogspot.com) is the destination. And for talk about trades and free agent speculation, there is no better site than MLB Trade Rumors. Tim Dierkes, who is founder and editor of MLB Trade Rumors, took some time to answer questions related to what the Yankees and Red Sox might do this off-season.

Q - How many starters do you think the Yankees will add to their rotation, and which names do you think they will pursue?

A - Latest report is that they will add two of Sabathia, Lowe, and Burnett.  My guess, Sabathia and Lowe.

Q - Who do you think will be the Yankees starting first baseman in 2009?

A - I guessed Adam LaRoche in another Q&A, so I should be consistent.

Q - Who among Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu do you think the Yankees will retain, and why? Or, do you think they will let both players go?

A - I think both are gone.  Giambi because they don't want him at first or to clog up the DH spot further.  Abreu because they don't want to do multiple years (and he's poor defensively).

Q - What have you heard about Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina? Will they be back in pinstripes next season?

A - Seems that Pettitte wants to come back and Moose is leaning toward retirement. 

Q - What do you think the Red Sox will do about Julio Lugo? Keep him as a utility guy? Trade him? If the Sox shop him, which teams do you think might be interested?

A - I imagine they will dutifully shop him and find no takers.  He can be the backup next year.

Q - What about Coco Crisp?

A - I'll guess that they do find a trade for Crisp, as he's solid defensively and the CF market is terrible.

Q - I like the idea of Boston signing Mark Teixeira, keeping Mike Lowell and trading David Ortiz (since they have Lars Anderson about big league ready). Teixeira gives the Sox more versatility since he plays solid defense and can DH, and with Teixeira, Youkilis and Lowell, each can get some rest by DHing. Do you think this is something Theo Epstein would consider? If not, what do you think Boston would do to make room on the roster if they sign Teixeira?

A - I would be surprised to see Epstein consider that. The Red Sox are not a good fit for Tex, I think Sabathia is more likely.  The only teams that might fit for Ortiz are the Royals, Mariners, maybe Rangers.  I would be quite surprised - not many open DH spots.

Q - Do you think Boston will pursue a top-tier starting pitcher to accompany Beckett, Lester and Dice-K. or do you believe they will fill that role from within (with Masterson, Buchholz or Bowden)? If the Sox pursue a pitcher via free agency or trade, what are some names you think they will target?

A - I can see them explore the Sabathia option, and maybe sign Burnett.