Heading into the Winter Meetings, some questions and answers to contemplate

As the Winter Meetings approach, here are some questions and answers to ponder:

Q: Are the Red Sox crazy for signing lefty David Price for $217 million, which averages $31 million a year and basically $1 million a start, complete game or not?

A: They aren't crazy, but they are tired of losing. They won the World Series in 2013, but they have finished last in the American League East in three of the last four seasons. The fan base is restless, and given they have a huge local TV market, ownership wants to win now. With Price at the top of the rotation, they are flush with pitchers for next year. The rotation also includes Clay Buchholz, Wade Miley, Rick Porcello, Joe Kelley and former Orioles prospect Eduardo Rodriguez. And they have good prospects coming in the minors, including Henry Owens, who is likely ready to pitch in the bigs now. It might be that the Red Sox will have pitching to shop around next week in Nashville.

Q: Where is Yoenis Cespedes going to end up, and could he be the answer for the Orioles?

A: His power bat would be a dangerous addition for Camden Yards. Cespedes would be great defensively in left. Cespedes talk has been quiet this offseason, and I would assume the Orioles would have a chance if the market is slow and the Orioles pick him up in a bargain-basement February deal, much like the way they picked up Nelson Cruz before the 2013 season.

Q: Is it a good idea for the Miami Marlins to hire Barry Bonds as a hitting coach, given his connection to steroids?

A: We are a forgiving society, especially in baseball. Mark McGwire, who admitted to using steroids, had the same job with the Dodgers last season and will be the bench coach in San Diego this year. Andy Pettitte will have his number retired by the Yankees. Jason Giambi came close to getting a job as manager of the Rockies. And it doesn't appear to be a big deal. The batting coach is the toughest job on the staff with endless hours of watching video, standing at cages and dissecting not only big league swings, but all the swings of minor leaguers as well. That's why a lot of teams have assistant batting coaches.

Q: What are the Nationals going to do with their bullpen?

A: It's an unusual predicament. They are hearing plenty of offers for Drew Storen as a closer, and they are trying to trade Jonathan Papelbon, the $11 million pitcher in 2016 who tried to choke Bryce Harper at the end of the regular season. Releasing Papelbon is a move that would happen only after all avenues have been exhausted. If Storen stays, the Nationals will bank on his professionalism to have a good season and be attractive as a free agent before 2017.

Q: What was pitcher Johnny Cueto thinking when he turned down a six-year, $120 million contract from Arizona?

A: Maybe he thinks he's worth more money or maybe he doesn't think the Diamondbacks will be a serious contender against the Dodgers and Giants in the National League West. Arizona, though, isn't that far away from contending. They improved from 64 wins in 2014 to 79 last season when they had the second-best run-scoring offense in the NL. They need starting pitching, but they have the money and the trade chips to make the improvements to their staff. Given the shortage of pitching in L.A. and San Francisco, the Diamondbacks could contend next season.

Q: Did the Twins get a good deal by signing Byung Ho Park to a four-year, $12 million contract?

A: He's a 29-year-old power hitter moving to Target Field, which is not especially friendly to power hitters. Park has two seasons of at least 50 home runs in Korea. He's going to have to adjust to a new country and a new position because he's not used to being a DH. Jung Ho Kang of Korea made the transition smoothly in Pittsburgh last season, and so the Twins figure Park can follow suit. They don't expect 50 home runs, but they see 20 to 25 home runs. Park's signing means Miguel Sano will either play the outfield or third base. He'll play third if the Twins trade Trevor Plouffe. Sano is not the best defensive player. Kang is giving Park advice on how to make the transition.