YankeesRedSox.com

The first day of the winter meetings yielded some minor league depth signings and a potential major league bullpen arm.

In signing Scott Atchison, they get a reliever who pitched in Japan for the past 2 seasons.  Just prior to his departure to Japan in 2007, the Red Sox had hoped to sign him, showing that he never fell off their radar.  Atchison looks to be a fringe player based on his State-side performances, but he did do very well in Japan in 2009.

Also signed were old friend Kason Gabbard and new friend Fabio Castro.  This is probably Gabbard's last chance to stick around in pro baseball, let alone hoping for a major league job, he had a horrible, injury plagued 2009 and is looking to rebound (9.60 ERA in 40.1 IP for 3 teams in the minors).

Castro's signing is for AAA emergency starter depth, no more.

The biggest news Red Sox fans are waiting for of course is whether or not Jason Bay comes back in 2010 and if not, who will replace him.  Matt Holliday is an option and of there seems to be no shortage of trade rumors flying around, although nothing too hot/concrete as it pertains to the Red Sox.

My take is that the Red Sox have to sign Bay or Holliday and upgrade another roster spot (starter or bat, with bat being my preference) to make this team top-tier in 2010.