A few thoughts on the Tuesday night GOP debate and baseball’s winter meetings cranking up the Hot Stove League next week.

While I appreciate FOX Business’s attempts to keep the debate issue focused I have to admit I was hoping for a red meat question or two that would enable the candidates to really stir things up. Something to the effect of, “Mr. Trump, Senator Rubio has called Hillary a Clinton a liar. Are you willing to echo those sentiments, and if so, why?”, or “Senator Cruz, do you believe Hillary Clinton is directly responsible for the deaths of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the brave men who defended Benghazi before they were killed in those attacks? And would anyone else like to chime in?” Now that would get my attention.

If I’m the Red Sox, I would definitely consider bringing back Jonathan Papelbon for their bullpen. I don’t think he’s got closer stuff anymore, but as a 8th inning setup man I think he’s worth the risk. He loves the Red Sox and I think misses the passion and electricity of pitching for them.

There’s a part of me that wants to support Dr. Ben Carson but there’s also something holding me back. I really wish someone would have called him out on his plan to eliminate Medicare – that to me is a non-starter because the Democrats would slay him in a general election.

While I don’t think Donald Trump is going to be the GOP’s candidate I have to admit I appreciate his balls sticking to his illegal immigration stance. he simply won’t back down, and you gotta give the guy credit.

John Kasich is an ass, and I liked the way Trump slapped him upside the face like he was tossing out yesterday’s trash.

If I’m a betting man neither Hanley Ramirez or Pablo Sandoval are on the Red Sox roster come Spring Training, and the team would be the better for it.

Jeb! Bush bores me half to death. Every time he opens his mouth I expect to see a fish in it.

And I wish Carly Fiorina was more likeable. I half expect her to lay me off whenever she starts to speak.

As much as I would love to see Jackie Bradley Jr. patrolling center field for the Sox for the next decade, I’m guessing he’s a valuable bargaining chip in a trade with the Reds or the Indians.