The Latest on Oswalt, Jackson and Floyd
The Red Sox are making every effort to upgrade their starting rotation as evidenced by the attempt to sign free-agents Roy Oswalt or Edwin Jackson. The teams is still said to be interested in trading for Gavin Floyd, although that is not their first choice. There is a lot happening despite not a lot results, as of yet.
Yesterday we heard that the Red Sox had offered both Oswalt and Jackson a contract offer. While terms were not disclosed, Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston says the clubs first choice is Oswalt, contrary to belief that it was Jackson. Oswalt has yet to accept the Sox offer and is questioning if he wants to play in Boston. Multiple reports state that Oswalt would prefer to play in either St. Louis or Texas. Here’s the latest on the pitching situation.
Edes notes that the Red Sox are hoping Oswalt signs on and are eagerly waiting his decision. One report late last night from Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch predicts that Oswalt will sign with the Texas Rangers who could offer in that $7-8 million range with a boat load of incentives. It’s hard to fathom the Red Sox going more than that or more years, leaving the decision up to Oswalt and putting the Rangers as the favorites.
The Cardinals had offered Oswalt a one-year deal worth $5 million weeks ago according to Strauss, but the former Phillie is likely holding out for his asking price of $8 million. The Indians and Nationals are also said to have interest in Oswalt to help solve a hole in their respective rotations.
According to Edes, if Oswalt gives the Red Sox the cold shoulder, as he did the Tigers, the Sox will then turn their attention to Gavin Floyd of the White Sox. Trying to iron out a deal for the 29-year old may come easier if the White Sox are fully committed to rebuilding after the Tigers loaded up this week with Prince Fielder. Edes reports that prospects are wanted for Floyd and not necessarily a Will Middlebrooks.
“One league source said Wednesday the White Sox are looking for prospects in return, not necessarily Boston’s top prospects, but two or three players with at least one having a high ceiling.”
The Edwin Jackson sweepstakes have seen additional teams enter the running, with the Baltimore Orioles being the latest to show interest in the Scott Boras agent. Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun says the club is a long shot to land Jackson, but would consider offering him a four-year deal.
Despite reports that the Red Sox have offered a contract to Jackson, he may be the long-shot for the Sox to sign. With multiple teams again showing interest it may be the leverage Boras needs to sneak out a multi-year deal. Jackson is reportedly considering taking a one-year deal, but may prefer to stay in the NL for this season rather than enter the meat grinder known as the AL East to keep his numbers a little more polished. The hope is to then cash in next off season with a multi-year deal and have good, solid numbers to back him.
So the circus continues in Red Sox Nation. While nothing is definite at this point, it does look promising that Cherington will add another pitcher to the starting rotation.
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