Sports Redux: Those Lazy Days Of Winter

Sure, it's 60 degrees outside. But it's beginning to look a lot like winter - well, maybe spring - in Las Vegas, where it's going to be in the 60s today, but more importantly, where baseball's winter meetings are taking place. And like this wintry scene, the Red Sox have come up empty so far.

"I actually think I have less to tell you than yesterday," said Theo Epstein, upon emerging for his daily press briefing. What little buzz there has been, has centered around A.J. Burnett, but there's just as much evidence that Atlanta is leading that particular derby. The Tigers, Reds and Orioles all have catching plans in place, which means several potential Jason Varitek landing-spots are out of the picture. Sean McAdam says the main goal for the Sox this week is not to let anyone know what they're really plotting.

Two of the biggest names on the free agent market appear to be headed for big bucks in Pittsburgh. Just kidding, it's New York, of course. The Mets struck first, signing K-Rod to a three-year deal. It's perfect, because K-Rod is the master of saving a three-run lead, which is exactly the type of lead the Mets blew 54 times last season. And despite giving every indication that New York was the last place he wanted to go, C.C. Sabathia appears headed for New York after all. Raise your hand if you're surprised. If the comments on Extra Bases are anything to go by, Red Sox fans are looking forward to watching the hefty lefty flop down the stretch.

The Bruins and Celtics, like the automakers, are both preparing for dates in Washington. The B's are there tonight, to take on the Southeast-leading Capitals. Tomorrow, the Celtics go to play a Wizards team that gave them fits last year. The best record in team history is on the line; the C's started off 20-2 in 1963 and in 2007, but lost the next game. "We don't get anything for that, that I know of," grumped Doc Rivers.

And, of course, the Red Sox are due to announce their new logo, uniform, and possibly team name, just in time to send you to the stores for new Christmas presents. Hey, it worked for the Devil Rays.

Photo credit: jdolan12, from Flickr photos tagged "Bostonist".