Jose Iglesias was supposed to contend for the shortstop job in Boston this season, but will likely be stuck in the minor leagues for another year after the Red Sox signed Stephen Drew.

"He was upset," Dustin Pedroia told WEEI of Iglesias.

Pedroia said he wasn't going to let the young infielder sulk.

"I basically told him, from my situation, I felt like I was ready in 2006 to start the season in Boston, play second base and go play," Pedroia added. "But we ended up signing Mark Loretta. It ended up being a great thing for me."

Daniel Bard has a lot to prove this coming season with at least two relievers ahead of him.

The Red Sox acquired Joel Hanrahan to close and he'll be set up by Andrew Bailey.

Bard begin 2012 as a starter, but struggled in the role. He then struggled as a reliever after another transition.

He said he was "a little bit surprised" that the team traded for Hanrahan.

"I haven't really thought about how it affects my situation," Bard said. "I know I have a lot to prove coming into spring training, and I'm getting ready for that. Obviously my goal is to get back to the role I held for two or three years, setting up or better. Whatever I earn, that's my goal."

The Red Sox and Diamondbacks are unlikely trade partners when it comes to Justin Upton.

Upton is a fit for Boston, but they are unlikely to part with prospects Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley, Jr.

Mike Napoli will be forced to work out his three-year, $39 million deal with the Red Sox, unless he wants to sign a one-year deal elsewhere or a two-year deal with the Rangers.

The Angels and Red Sox tied for the most blown saves (22) in the American League this past season.

To rectify those issues, Boston traded for Joel Hanrahan and Los Angeles signed Ryan Madson.

The Nationals still don't have an agreement in place with Adam LaRoche as 2013 approaches.

No deal is in sight, according to a source, even though it was reported last Saturday that progress had been made.

LaRoche wants a three-year contract, but Washington hasn't budged from their two-year offer. The club made a qualifying offer worth $13.3 million last November, but LaRoche turned it down. He has reportedly been pursued by the Red Sox as they struggle to finalize a deal with Mike Napoli.

Boston isn't likely to give LaRoche a three-year deal either.

The Red Sox are still looking to finalize their first base situation as the offseason progresses.

Boston is trying to finalize their contract agreement with Mike Napoli, while also speaking to Adam LaRoche.

Assistant GM Brian O'Halloran confirmed first base remains "an area of focus" for the club during an appearance on WEEI's Red Sox Hot Stove Show on Thursday.

"I’m not going to be able to address any specific free agents," said O'Halloran. "I will say that [GM Ben Cherington] has been in touch with a number of free agents. First base ... is an area of focus. Not the only area of focus -- we're looking to strengthen our club any way we can. That process never ends. But Ben has certainly been in touch with a number of free agents, ongoing conversations, over the last few weeks."

At least one team has been in contact with Mike Napoli and his representatives regarding his status since talks with the Red Sox hit a snag, according to sources.

It is not believed that another contract offer has been extended since Napoli reportedly agreed to terms with the Red Sox in early December.

Carlton Fisk pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor drunken-driving charge, two months after police found him asleep in his pickup truck in a suburban Chicago cornfield.

Fisk, 64, was sentenced to one year of court supervision and must pay $1,250 in court costs. He also must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and counseling.

Dustin Pedroia influenced Stephen Drew to sign with the Red Sox this offseason.

Some speculated that it would take a multiyear deal to sign Drew, but he ended up taking a one-year, $9.5 million contract to play for Boston.

Drew explained that part of Boston's appeal was the chance to form a strong middle infield with Pedroia.