Angels Leadoff Links: November 26, 2014

Crack a couple eggs, fry up some bacon for yourself, throw in a side of Halo Hangout Leadoff Links, and presto; you have just cooked up a balanced breakfast. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, take a seat, and catch up on all the MLB and Angels news from the past 48 hours.

It has been a busy 48-hour stretch across baseball, but no other team has made more waves than the Boston Red Sox. The Sox officially announced the signings of, Pablo Sandoval, and, Hanley Ramirez, Tuesday in Boston. Sandoval opted to leave the World Champion San Francisco Giants, signing a five-year contract with the Red Sox worth $95 million, including a club option for 2020. Ramirez left the Los Angeles Dodgers after an inconsistent 2014 season, signing a four-year deal worth $88 million. Early reports indicate that Ramirez is likely to man leftfield for the BoSox in 2015, pushing, Yeonis Cespedes, into either centerfield or right field. The Sox spent nearly $200 million over the past 24-hours, but they might not be finished their shopping spree just yet. Reports indicate the Red Sox are hoping to reunite with southpaw, Jon Lester.

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On Monday, the Seattle Mariners agreed to terms with, Kyle Seager, on a seven-year extension worth $100 million dollars. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports’ adds, “the contract includes an eighth-year club option worth up to $20 million.” Seager had a great season in 2014, both at the plate and in the field. Seags made his first All-Star appearance this past season, and took home his first Gold Glove Award this offseason. With three full arbitration years remaining, the Mariners are betting big on Seager, but it will likely payoff for the M’s. The 27-year-old has improved in each of his first four seasons, and nobody works harder then the follically challenged third baseman. Extending Seager is expected to be the first of many impact moves the M’s make this offseason, after falling just one game short of reaching the postseason in 2014.

The San Francisco Giants appear not to be feeling too sorry for themselves after losing, Pablo Sandoval, as they have been connected to multiple big name players over the past 24 hours. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported on Tuesday evening that Max Scherzer, Justin Upton, Chase Headley, Yasmani Tomas, and Nelson Cruz are all in play for the Giants. Chase Headley is a guy that could potentially make a lot of sense for the defending World Series Champions. Not only would Headley fill the void left by the Kung-Fu Panda after he bolted for Boston, but also Headley is a quality switch hitter. Max Scherzer would be an interesting signing for San Fran, and an expensive one to boot. It has been suggested by various outlets that Scherzer is seeking a deal worth north of $150 million.

The Tampa Bay Rays have narrowed their managerial search to three finalists, Raul Ibanez, Kevin Cash, and Don Wakamatsu. On Tuesday, Jon Heyman, reported that Kevin Cash may in fact be the frontrunner to fill the job vacated by, Joe Maddon. Maddon opted out of his contract, and later signed on to become the manager of the Chicago Cubs. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports’ reported earlier in the day that the Rays have placed veteran shortstop, Yunel Escobar, on the trade block. Rosenthal adds that nearly everybody currently on the Rays’ roster is available to be traded. Escobar has had a somewhat checked career, but with a weak crop of free agent shortstops, he will likely draw some interest in trade talks.

David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com is reporting that the Chicago Cubs extended a six-year offer exceeding $135 million to, Jon Lester. The Cubbies have been linked to the All-Star southpaw all offseason because of the Cubs lack of quality starters, and the connection Lester has with Cubs president, Theo Epstein. Lester is reportedly drawing interest from at least five clubs, including the Cubs, Red Sox, Giants, Atlanta Braves, and St. Louis Cardinals. Lester is one of the top arms available on the open market, and is hoping to land a deal worth at least $25 million dollars annually.