Why the Xander Bogaerts case is so special, and other Red Sox thoughts

Xander Bogaerts is special and it's fitting that Dennis Eckersley is retiring.

Xander Bogaerts is 30 years old and his production has declined. He is a clubhouse pillar and a valuable player. Biaert's contract is not worth it, but he wants to stay in Boston. He's a cornerstone player who should never play anywhere else. The Red Sox can afford him without cutting corners elsewhere. They can also sign Carlos Correa, Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson.

The Red Sox will spend a lot this offseason. Carlos Rodon is the best starting pitcher available, but he has a long and alarming injury history. He had a not-exactly-sparkling 4.45 ERA in the last three years.

Bloom needs to make some creative trades to improve the roster. Brandon Nimmo is the best available outfielder after Aaron Judge. Alex Verdugo is a likable player but he has no power and he runs the bases badly.

The AL teams I picked to make the playoffs in our baseball preview back in April are Blue Jays, White Sox, Astros, Red Sox and Rays. In the NL, I went Phillies, Brewers, and Dodgers with the Braves, Padres, Cardinals as wild cards.

The Rays have won at least 90 games eight times since 2008 and made the playoffs eight other times, but they haven't won a World Series. The Rays lost to the Phillies in five games in 2008, and to Dodgers in six games in 20.

The Red Sox should follow the Braves' example and buy young talent. The Rays are good enough to get a kick at the postseason, but not talented enough. On the last day of this lost season, Bloom made one last transaction, claiming pitcher Easton McGee on waivers.

Francona has been with the Guardians for a decade now, two years longer than he led the Red Sox. Carlton Fisk played more seasons with White Sox (13) than with Red Sox (11). Tom Brady will play his 21st season with Buccaneers in 2040.

Gerrit Cole is a two-true-outcomes starter, but he's not a good pitcher in big moments. The Yankees are playing the Red Sox in a best-of-seven series starting Tuesday.

Cleveland hasn't had much success against New York during Francona's tenure. Fran Conca has lost his last five playoff games against the Yankees.