Red Sox Free-Agent Roundup
The Red Sox hot stove is still producing some heat albeit with a low flame. Recent transactions such as the Lowrie deal that saw Mark Melancon come to Boston and the Nick Punto and Kelly Shoppach signings were some nice additions. But there still remains the hole that is the starting rotation and possibly right field. I guess we’re all waiting for a big deal to happen.
We’ve been hearing some rumors floating around the free agent market that ties the Red Sox to those, so with that here is the latest Red Sox free agent roundup:
Let’s start with right field.
– Michael Cuddyer – after months of hearing about the Red Sox interest in Cuddyer, that interest appears to have fizzled out. The latest on the former Twins outfielder has the Colorado Rockies aggressively pursuing Cuddyer but his desire for a three-year deal around the $30 million dollar range appears to be a snag. As Yahoo’s Tim Brown reports, the Mariners and Phillies also have interest in Cuddyer.
– Josh Willingham – while his name hasn’t been linked to the Red Sox a whole lot, it did surface in late November as an option for patrolling right field at Fenway Park. Well consider that a luke warm rumor as the Minnesota Twins have appeared to sign Willingham for three-years worth aruond $21 million, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.
– Carlos Beltran – another name that surfaced early when the free-agent market got underway and while the Red Sox were interested way back then, it doesn’t appear to be a fit now. With David Ortiz coming back and getting a raise, the Beltran asking price appears to be to heavy for the Red Sox. Scott Miller of CBS Sports reports that at least five teams are looking at Beltran which include the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Rockies and two others. Don’t expect the Red Sox to get involved on the 35-year old’s bidding.
When it comes to pitching there are a lot more options for Boston’s GM, Ben Cherington. It all depends on how much he is willing to spend and essentially pay in luxury tax for going past the threshold. Staff Writer, Ryan Hannable will have a more in-depth look at starting pitching options for the Red Sox tomorrow morning so be sure to check back for that. For now, here’s what we know:
– Roy Oswalt – the crafty veteran has once again surfaced as an interest to the Red Sox. Oswalt wanted to wait until C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle got their contracts and basically set the market. Oswalt will be pricey for a guy with a nagging back and I’ve always been concerned about him pitching in the AL East meat grinder.
– Andrew Bailey – while he’s not a free-agent, the trade talks are once again making headlines between the Red Sox and A’s, according to Buster Olney via Twitter. The need for Bailey may not be as great for Boston since they acquired Melancon and as Rob Bradford of WEEI writes via twitter, Cherington is comfortable with former Astro becoming the Red Sox closer. Say it isn’t so Ben.
– Ryan Madson – yes the former Phillies closer is still available and yes the Red Sox are said to still be interested in the 31-year old free agent. The asking price of around $10 million doesn’t appear to be decreasing any, but it could if the we hit the new year and Madson still doesn’t have an offer. Is it worth risking losing out on Madson because the Red Sox are playing the waiting game?
Those are the names making headlines and as they change we’ll be sure to capture it here on BoSox Injection. As I said, Ryan will have a closer look at the starting rotation options tomorrow. Thanks for reading.
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