What is the Red Sox next move? Oswalt, Jackson or a SS?

The day after the Red Sox added some much needed depth to their outfield by signing free-agent Cody Ross, the question remains as to what the Red Sox next move is.  It could be asked if the Red Sox even plan on making more moves before the start of Spring Training.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports the Red Sox are still looking to add to their current roster.  As we’ve heard along, adding a starting pitcher still appears to be a top priority for Cherington and the Sox.  Interestingly enough however, Rosenthal writes (courtesy of MLBtraderumors.com) that the Red Sox are still interested in acquiring a full-time shortstop making the next move a difficult one to predict. Rosenthal didn’t mention any possibilities but he did go on to say that the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds  and San Francisco Giants are also in the mix for an everyday shortstop.  With the Rays and Giants having an abundance of quality pitchers, the Red Sox might be the long-shot in this one if a trade is to be had.  Of course there is always the budget concern that Cherington is abiding by, meaning more salary would have to be moved in order to acquire someone like a Hanley Ramirez.  The Marlins aren’t expected to move Ramirez, but a player of his caliber would garner a quality package in return, hence the pitching staff of both the Giants and Rays.

Over the weekend we heard that the Red Sox were keeping tabs on Houston’s Wandy Rodriguez and providing the club would consider eating some of his salary, would look at a deal.  This is all but over according to Rosenthal, citing the Red Sox aren’t pursuing the lefty.

This leaves two options for Boston really in terms of signing a starting pitcher; Roy Oswalt and Edwin Jackson.  Previously Jackson was deemed out of reach based on his multi-year demands worth around $12-13 million per season.  That price has come down as has the length of the contract.  Again Rosenthal has the news that Jackson may be willing to sign a one-year deal, similar to another Scott Boras client, Ryan Madson.  Should this hold true, Jackson could be an intriguing option for the Red Sox, but again, only if the price is right.  It’s hard to imagine the club giving him $10 million now with all we’ve heard about how Oswalt’s $8 million was more in line with the team’s plan.  It’s hard to fathom that a $2 million dollar difference could be a deal breaker.

Alex Speier of WEEI does a great job breaking down the Scutaro trade and he highlights that the move freed up almost $8 million for the Red Sox.  This is obvious with the Ross signing and now the hunt for a starting pitcher.  Maybe offering Jackson $10 million isn’t out of reach.

There is still the option of trading for Gavin Floyd from the Chicago White Sox.  Speier notes that his hit against the payroll would only be $3.75 million.  Combine that with the new Ross contract and you’ve got your Marco Scutaro salary covered.  This avenue seems to make the most sense but what would it cost the Red Sox to get him?  Multiple prospects is likely which could be the deal breaker.

The Oswalt front has nothing new to report other than we learnt yesterday that he turned down the Detroit Tigers offer.  Many thought this meant he was Boston bound, but a report yesterday from John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer said the Oswalt camp had contacted the Red’s organization to discuss a potential deal.  The Reds would have to get creative in order to sign Oswalt, saying it’s highly unlikely they will.  What does this mean for the Red Sox?  Could Oswalt be seeking leverage in the negotiations if Cherington came in with a low-ball offer?  Or maybe he prefers to stay in the NL, where he’s spent his entire career.

Either way, the Red Sox appear to still be interested and could try and sign him sooner than later.  As always, we’ll continue to monitor this case and will report any new happenings.

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