Zach Hosseini of Otago Daily Times writes about his prediction when he was still an intern at Boston Globe, that talk of Adam Gilchrist joining Boston Red Sox, was just a stunt to raise the profile of Red Sox in Australia -

At the time, Fox Sports quoted Jon Deeble, Red Sox scout and Australian: "We expressed interest in him and we think he has a lot of potential, and the club has tapes of him batting."

"Boston has a payroll of $160 million a year and it's something worth having a look at."

Nothing ever came to fruition with Gilchrist and the Sox, and lo and behold, Boston did raise its profile in Australia and have signed some intriguing Aussie prospects.

 Zach then presents a list of his top baseball-cricket transitions:

Opening batsman: Derek Jeter, shortstop, New York Yankees.

While his skills are diminishing as a baseball player, Jeter has also been an example of cool under pressure as a batter and fielder and has show immense discipline and technique as a hitter.

Though I'm obligated to hate his guts because he is a Yankee, I secretly took joy rooting for him when he played for the USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Number three and four batsmen: Chase Utley, second baseman, Philadelphia Phillies; Alex Rodriguez, third baseman, New York Yankees.

With apologies to David Ortiz, Albert Pujols and other big boppers around the league, Utley and A-Rod get the call not only because of their hitting ability, but also their athleticism.

The worse thing imaginable would be watching Ortiz field. Think of a taller, rounder, happier and less-mobile Jesse Ryder.

Utley is an immense young talent, showing atypical power and patience from a second baseman.

A-Rod is rumoured to be dating Madonna and has blue lips. 'Nuff said.

Lower middle order batsman: Vladimir Guerrero, rightfielder, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

"Vlad the Impaler", as he is known, uncorks some of the most powerful, and explosive swings in baseball and often swings wildly from the heels.

With quick wrists and great eye-hand co-ordination Guerrero hits "junk", or pitches in the dirt quite often. A cricket switch could make sense.

Wicket-keeper: Joe Mauer, catcher, Minnesota Twins.

Mauer, though just 25, is lauded for his maturity and professionalism when handling the Twins' young pitching staff.

He hasn't shown great power as a hitter, but possesses great patience and regularly makes contact.

Pace bowler: Jonathan Papelbon, relief pitcher, Boston Red Sox.

Papelbon, the Red Sox closer, is probably insane, is as close to a John Belushi as you'll find in a professional athlete, and throws gas.

At this point, he is probably the most feared closer in baseball as his on-mound demeanor fierce and fastball/splitter repetoire is lively.

Spin bowler: Justin Duchscherer, relief pitcher, Oakland As.

Besides having a great name to try and pronounce when you're drunk, Duchscherer has an array of off-speed pitches and has carved out a nice career for himself on guile and location.