Just One More Shopping Day

The Sox have until 5 p.m. Friday to make a "qualifying offer" that would guarantee them a draft pick if David Ortiz signs elsewhere, Ian Browne reports. Otherwise he's likely to hit the market.

There's no deal yet with Cody Ross. On the whole I'd like to keep Ross, he provided some excitement. But he hit .267 with a .326 OBP and 22 homers (though they were memorable homers) and a career high 129 strikeouts. It can't be that hard to sign him.

Finally, not a Red Sox item, unless you're of a certain vintage and remember him as manager, but Don Zimmer has just signed on for what will be his 65th year in professional baseball. Amazing.