What are the chances that Pokey will be in a Red Sox uniform come next fall?
— Craig L., Bunker Hill, Ill. You are right in your assessment that Pokey Reese played a major role for the Red Sox early in the season. However, a collection of injuries made him a non-factor after June. Reese has had a history of injury problems over the last couple of seasons. This would make it tough for the Sox to count on him to be their starting shortstop. Reese might be back in Boston in a reserve role. But there’s also a good chance that he’ll exercise his free agent rights to find a starting job shortstop. With so much emphasis on the significant number of free agents on the Sox, why are we not hearing much from the front office, other than “we’ll do everything in our power to sign our top priorities”? Isn’t the deadline for Red Sox negotiations expiring? — Bob D., Naugatuck, Conn. Nov. 11 was the last day the Sox had exclusive negotiating rights with their free agents. The next key date is Dec. 7. The Red Sox have until midnight that day to offer arbitration to their free
