The offseason hot stove always seems to simmer to a boil during the annual GM meetings, going on right now in Dana Point, California at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort (not to be confused with the winter meetings, to be held in Las Vegas from December 8-11). If you were a GM, you'd be here right now:

So it's only fitting that the first major news to arise out of the GM meetings for the Red Sox involves the GM: Theo Epstein re-inked another contract extension with the Red Sox. Although Theo would not reveal the exact terms of the contract, his last extension netted him $4.5 million over three years.

People are still jumping all over a rumor that's already been denied, posting like crazy. But just to put it to rest: both the Red Sox and the Padres have denied the report from the Tacoma News-Tribune (always my go-to source) that the clubs talked about a Coco Crisp-Khalil Greene trade. I'm not sure what interest the Sox would have in a career .248 (.213 last season) hitting shortstop when they already have Jed Lowrie and Julio Lugo (who is playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic this year). Although, Nick Cafardo says there is some interest in Julio Lugo from the White Sox and the Mets- though it would likely require the Sox to eat some money to shed him. Mazz has a great column up about the SS position.

The Sox might have an interest in re-signing Sean Casey... just not anytime soon. Understandably, Theo has much bigger holes to fill before turning to the utility role that Sean serves.

"We'll keep our options open and look around, see what happens," said G.M. Theo Epstein. "Sean is probably going to do the same. I wouldn't rule anything out with respect to him."

Epstein also said he's informed Sean Casey that the team would address more pressing needs, which likely means Casey won't be returning.

The starting rotation for the Sox still has a hole to be filled. Paul Byrd is still a possibility, despite that he filed for free agency. Alex Speier reports that Theo said Paul will "have a lot of options" to consider. Of course, even if Paul does sign with the Sox, there's no guarantee he'll slot into the starting 5.

Other candidates for an offseason starter acquisition? If reports are to be believed, not Jake Peavy: he has no interest in playing for Boston. The only AL teams he'd consider are the Yankees and the Angels. A.J. Burnett may be a viable possibility- his agent indicated Burnett will opt out of his current contract with the Jays and become a free agent. The Sox are one of the clubs being bandied about as a possible landing place - but there are reportedly many suitors for his services. The White Sox are shopping Javier Vasquez, and Nick Cafardo says the Sox have been linked to him as well (possibly as part of the aforementioned interest in Julio Lugo). And, of course, there's always Derek Lowe, who regularly sends love letters to Theo proclaiming his love for the Sox. Of course, he still wants to get paid a lot of money, but it appears he's pining for the Fens.

Meanwhile, Jason Bay suggested (or, rather, his agents suggested) that he'd like to sign a long-term deal to keep him on the Sox past 2009 (when his current contract expires).

"It's a situation where he's loving Boston. It's a great club and a great organization," said Nez Balelo of Creative Artists Agency. "He's a quality player, and I'm sure (the Red Sox) recognize that. Whatever they want to do, I'm sure that we're all ears."

According to Balelo and fellow CAA agent Joe Urbon, the Sox have not yet been in contact about a long-term deal.

And closing on the international front, the Red Sox are spending a lot of time focusing on 22 year-old righty hurler Junichi Tazawa from Japan -- who already has a major league contract offer from Atlanta, and is going to receive another from Seattle soon as well. Nick Cafardo also notes:

The Sox also have interest in Kenshin Kawakami, a 33-year-old righty for the Chunichi Dragons who went 9-5 with a 2.30 ERA last season. Kawakami is a Hiroki Kuroda-type pitcher with a cut fastball and good curveball who could man the No. 4 or 5 spot in the Sox rotation.