Rosenthal on Jonathan Papelbon, Rangers, Fielder, Pujols, Marlins, and Astros' Ownership Situation

 

The Boston Red Sox might not be able to resist handing out a long - term extension to current closer Jonathan Papelbon, according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. With the Yankees' major 2010 FA acquisition Rafael Soriano no longer looking like the potential replacement and future successor of Pinstripe legend Mariano Rivera at the end of games, Rosenthal expects the Bronx Bombers to make a hard push in FA for Papelbon's services this offseason.

With current Rangers' primary 1B Mitch Moreland's production tailing off in the last 3 months, it seems as if Texas will be a likely landing spot for either Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols this offseason. However, they could also play it safe and choose to keep their roster flexibility intact as a result of the expected big pay days for both Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler that are looming in the near future for the AL West - leading Texas Rangers. 

 

 

In addition to Florida Marlins' VP of Player Development and Scouting Jim Fleming announcing his reassignment to another position within the organization, the Marlins intend to shake up the current look of their big league club with the production of more homegrown talent throughout their farm system, according to Rosenthal.

The Astros' sale to Houston businessman Jim Crane has still yet to be declared a done deal. However, some MLB executives now believe it is inevitable that a deal will be struck allowing an ownership change to happen in Houston for an owner in Drayton McLane who definitely wants out of the position.