***  I’ve been hinting at my feelings on this topic in recent posts, but I’ll directly sum up my opinion now: priority #1 for GM Theo Epstein should be the pursuit of free agent Mark Teixeira.  I think we’ve been spoiled in the past 5 years by the combination of David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, a duo which ranks among the best 3-4 tandems in baseball history.  Manny, of course, is gone.  As for Ortiz, I think we need to come to terms with the grim possibility that his 2003-2006 production is not going to repeat itself.  A lack of offense is what ultimately ended the 2008 season, and Teixeira provides an immediate boost in that department.  Will this be an expensive move?  As the governor of Alaska would say: “You betcha!”.  However, the Red Sox have the financial strength to pull it off.

***  Given the above proposition, you might ask yourself “Whither Mike Lowell?”.  1) He’s a huge question mark after having hip surgery, so his 2009 production should not be counted on as a guarantee. 2) His contract can be eaten with a side of onion rings for all I care.  When the deal was inked last year, we knew there would be a possibility that this would have to happen.  If healthy, he can be a right-handed counterpart to our DH who will likely need more time off as he ages.

***  I’m hoping the Sox do not have any serious interest in Derek Lowe or A.J. Burnett, two overpriced gambles.  Make a few ceremonious offers to drive up the price for teams like the Yankees and Angels, but then walk away.  If they are going to spend big…well, I’m starting to repeat myself here.

***  Speaking of pitchers, instead of targeting guys who are old and/or injury-prone, why not make a run at Junichi Tazawa instead?  Word on the street is that the Sox do indeed have some interest in the 22-year-old, and he could prove to be cheaper and more effective than either Lowe or Burnett.

***  While I’m on the subject of pitchers from The Land of Weird Cartoons, here’s some bad news for Red Sox fans: Daisuke Matsuzaka is planning on pitching in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.  Given his track record of usage in Japanese baseball, I’m guessing that his innings total this winter will be enough to make Iron Joe McGinnity wince.  While I love the WBC in theory,  I’m not a fan of accelerating the depreciation rate on one of our most valuable pitchers.

***  Congrats to Dustin Pedroia, a reasonable choice for MVP.  There was a handful of four players who could have justifiably won the award, and a Gold Glove/Silver Slugger combo at second base is certainly worthy enough.  I just think Kevin Youkilis should have received a bit more love from the press on this one.  His versatility and offensive consistency kept the team afloat during the some critical times.  He’s simply not as marketable as Pedroia, and the fan/media coverage and voting reflected that.

***  The trading of Coco Crisp creates an even greater for someone like Rocco Baldelli.  And by “someone like Rocco Baldelli”, I mean an experienced outfielder who can hit, is preferably right-handed, and wouldn’t mind not starting every game.  In other words, Rocco Baldelli.

***  I’m late to the party on this one, but if you haven’t seen the AMC series Mad Men, you are missing the best show on television.  If you need a reason, here’s two.  The storyline and the characters?  Oh yeah, they’re decent too.

***  Dusty Brown Update: he’s hitting .247/.381/.318 in the Dominican Winter League.  Great eye, but the lack of power is alarming (only 4 extra-base hits).  I still think he should get a chance to win the 2009 catching job assuming no trades are made to acquire catchers, and I have no delusions as to how he’ll hit at the MLB level.  If he gets on base and plays defense as advertised, I’m fine with a guy who slugs around .400.

***  F&@* the cold weather.