As the Major League Baseball hot stove begins to heat up, the Red Sox and the rest of the league are up to their necks in trades, signings and drafts.
Here are a few important dates to look forward to to get you through those winter blues:
Dec. 1, 2009
Players union executive board meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Dec. 7, 2009
Last day for teams to offer salary arbitration to former players who became free agents and be eligible to receive compensation if they sign with another team.
Dec. 7-10, 2009
Winter meetings in Indianapolis.
Dec. 10, 2009
Major League Rule 5 draft at winter meetings in Indianapolis.
Dec. 12, 2009
Last day for teams to tender 2010 contracts to unsigned players.
Jan, 5-15, 2010
Salary arbitration filing period.
Jan. 6, 2010
2010 Hall of Fame balloting results announced. Some players eligible for the first time in 2010 include Roberto Alomar, Kevin Appier, Andy Ashby, Ellis Burks, Andres Galarraga, Pat Hentgen, Mike Jackson, Eric Karros, Ray Lankford, Barry Larkin, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Robin Ventura and Todd Zeile.
Jan. 19. 2010
Exchange of salary arbitration figures.
Feb. 1-21, 2010
Salary arbitration hearings.
Feb. 2-8, 2010
Caribbean Series in Porlamar, Venezuela. The host country looks to repeat as series champs in the tourney that also features the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Feb. 18, 2010
First day injured players, pitchers and catchers may report to spring training.
Feb. 23, 2010
First day all players may report to spring training.
Mar. 2, 2010
Mandatory spring training reporting date for all players.
March 2-11, 2010
Teams may renew contracts of unsigned players.
March 3, 2010
The Red Sox meet Northeastern at the City of Palms Park at 1:05 p.m. for their first tilt of the preseason.
March 17, 2010
Last day to place a player on unconditional release waivers and pay 30 days termination pay instead of 45 days.
March 31, 2010
Last day to request unconditional release waivers on a player without having to pay his full 2010 salary.
April 4, 2010
Opening Day, active rosters reduced to 25 players.
