Mike Cameron

This article was first reported at Boston Sox Journalism.

The Boston Red Sox certainly proved one thing this offseason: there is no such thing as a "bridge year" in Beantown.

The Red Sox opened their wallet, made investments, and acquired players either through trade or free agency that could be a huge help to the team in 2010 and for years to come. Today, I will be running down each acquisition and what it means for the Red Sox starting in April.

The Boston Red Sox have the lead, so to speak in the American League East.

With the signing of pitcher John Lackey and aging outfielder Mike Cameron, the Red Sox sent two strong messages. First, they intend to field the toughest rotation in the American League, and they are willing to sacrifice some serious offense to do it.

As it stands right now, Boston's lineup pales in comparison to that of a certain Bronx rival. Gone are the days where Manny and Big Papi lurked in the middle of the order, terrifying opposing pitchers. With the departure of Jason Bay a near certainty, the Sox lack even one true power hitter.

Red Sox fans are just getting used to the idea of Mike Cameron patrolling left field for the Red Sox next season. And for many, it's not a particularly sexy idea.

After all, Cameron is 37 and has a lifetime .250 average. Among active players, only Jim Thome (2,313) has struck out more times than Cameron (1,798).

It's tough to get excited about that.

The Boston Red Sox have their new left fielder and no, his name is not Holliday or Bay:

Jason Bay? Nope.

Matt Holliday? Pass.

The Boston Red Sox balked at the sticker price on the two marquee left fielders on the market and went a different route by reportedly signing veteran center fielder Mike Cameron.

The signing—which is currently pending a physical—further solidifies the end of the Jason Bay era in Boston and by all accounts should spell the end of any more Matt Holliday to Boston rumors.

Day three of baseball's winter meetings has seen a lot more action within just about every team in either league.

Things have even started to pick up for the San Diego Padres. There was talk yesterday that they'd had conversations with both the Giants and the Twins about a trade involving third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff.

According to Will Carroll from Baseball Prospectus, the Cubs will sign free agent Mike Cameron to play center field as soon as Milton Bradley is moved. Carroll tweets that the Bradley deal has been "imminent for 72 hours."

Cameron will turn 37 in January but is still an above average defender, at least according to a UZR/150 of 10.3, despite a weak arm. He should be a huge improvement over Kosuke Fukudome, who can move back to right field.

Originally posted on BringingHeat.com

The latest news on the Chicago Cubs search for a center fielder is revolving around signing Mike Cameron in the near future.

Cameron, who will be 37 years old at the start of the 2010 season, remains an elite defender in the outfield. Offensively, he really is a hallmark of consistency. 

With the Winter Meetings less than 48 hours away, the San Diego Padres will be looking to add a right handed bat as well as pitching depth.

Whether that comes by free agency or by trade is yet to be seen, but here are a few names that are being talked about.