Boston Red Sox Trade Rumors

Time frame for Tim Wakefield's decision: Bottom of ninth
February 10
Boston Herald
 
"Within the next few days, Tim Wakefield [stats] will make what has to be the most difficult decision any professional athlete faces. To play, or not to play? For the last 22 years, this has been the week Wakefield packs his bags and heads to spring training. But now, six months shy of his 46th birthday, the oldest player in the majors in 2011 still is a free agent despite his stated preference to return to the Red Sox [team stats] for one more season."
Roy Oswalt unlikely for Sox; Bobby Valentine content
February 9
Boston Herald
 
"Less than two weeks before the start of spring training, Roy Oswalt still needs a job and the Red Sox could use another starting pitcher. Perfect match, right? Not according to one major league source, who said yesterday there has been "no sense of progress" in any conversations between the Red Sox and Oswalt's camp. That was consistent with general manager Ben Cherington's recent characterization that it's "unlikely" another starter will be acquired before spring training. So what you see with the Red Sox seems to be what you'll get. When camp opens Feb.?19, the rotation will consist of Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz and a bunch of questions, from whether Daniel Bard and Alfredo"
Red Sox sign highly-touted Australian pitcher
February 8
WEEI Boston
 
"The Red Sox signed highly-regarded 17-year-old pitcher Daniel McGrath Tuesday, with the left-hander making the deal official at his Melbourne home in front of significant gathering of Australian media. McGrath will travel to Fort Myers for just more than a week during spring training, but then return to Australia where he won't graduate from high school until December. The 6-foot-3 southpaw will also pitch in the under-18 Nationals for a third time, having already shown the best velocity (approximately 91 mph) of any Australian pitcher to throw in the tournament."
Source: 'No traction' in Red Sox, Oswalt fit
February 7
WEEI Boston
 
"According to a major league source, there is 'no traction' in talks between the Red Sox and free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt. While there always remains a possibility the two sides could come to an agreement, such a scenario doesn't seem likely at this point. Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington stated at last week's Town Hall even in Worcester that adding another pitcher like Oswalt was unlikely and that there was a good chance the current group of starters would be what the Red Sox roll out when pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 19."
Ortiz wants to make deal, avoid arbitration
February 6
MLB.com
 
"Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz said he wants a multi-year deal and would like to avoid salary arbitration for next season. The slugger told MLB.com that his arbitration hearing is scheduled for a date close to Feb. 12. "We are working on that right now," Ortiz said at a banquet for the participants in Major League Baseball's Venezuela-Dominican Showcase. "Hopefully, we will get to an agreement so we don't have to go in front of the judge." The Red Sox have offered a $12.65 million salary to Ortiz, but he has asked for $16.5 million. Ortiz, who hit .309 with 29 home runs and 96 RBIs for Boston last season, wants to come to an agreement soon."
Toughest call of his career is on Varitek's plate
February 6
Boston Globe
 
"Jason Varitek is trying to make a very tough decision. "He's deliberating what he wants to do,'' said his agent, Scott Boras. And that deliberation has to include the very difficult reality of possible retirement. Varitek will be 40 years old on April 11. In his heart, he believes he can still play. His body feels as good as it has in a long time. So why quit now? That probably is his mind-set, but the reality is that there is no room on the Red Sox roster for him. The team has committed to Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the No. 1 catcher. The Sox have signed veteran Kelly Shoppach, who has a strong arm. They have prospect Ryan Lavarnway itching to win a major league job. And then there is"
Red Sox avoid arbitration with Alfredo Aceves at $1.2M
February 5
Hardball Talk
 
"From the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo comes word that the Red Sox and right-hander Alfredo Aceves avoided arbitration Sunday morning by agreeing to a one-year, $1.2 million contract. The deal also carries $100K worth of incentives. Aceves requested $1.6 million and was offered $950,000 from the Red Sox when arbitration figures were exchanged last month. It took several weeks, but the two sides have found a middle ground."
Could Red Sox, Reds or Phillies land Oswalt?
February 5
Foxsports.com
 
"Roy Oswalt is without a contract two weeks before the start of spring workouts. And he is scrambling. Oswalt is known to prefer a team close to his Mississippi home, but his top choices – the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals – may not have enough money left in their budgets and/or room in their rotations to sign him. That has allowed a number of suitors to remain in contact with Oswalt. The Red Sox, Reds and Phillies are among them, according to major-league sources. Because Oswalt is the "last man standing" among the upper-tier pitching free agents, so to speak, new clubs could emerge. That is particularly the case if they believe they can sign him at a discounted rate."
David Ortiz resolution far from arbitrary
February 3
Boston Herald
 
"First things first: David Ortiz will play for the Red Sox this season. That much was guaranteed in December when Ortiz ended his free agency by accepting salary arbitration. The issue now, and perhaps at a hearing within the next two weeks, is how much he will get paid, and the difference of opinion is wider than a Billy Cundiff field goal attempt. Ortiz wants $16.5 million; the Red Sox are offering $12.65 million, less than a 2 percent raise from his average annual salary the past five years. The sides have been unable to compromise, and if they remain stalemated, each will make its argument to an independent three-person panel, which will choose either Big Papi's number or the team's."
Red Sox may not add starter
February 2
Boston Herald
 
"Eighteen days remain before Red Sox [team stats] pitchers and catchers must report to spring training, the club is "still talking" to free agent right-handers Edwin Jackson and Roy Oswalt, a major league source said yesterday. But general manager Ben Cherington said it's "unlikely" the Red Sox will sign either pitcher. "We wouldn't rule out adding a starter, but I think it's unlikely at this point," Cherington said last night at Worcester Tech High School before holding a town hall meeting that is scheduled to air tonight on NESN. "We're going to keep looking for ways to improve the team, including the pitching staff, but I wouldn't expect any major changes between now and the report"
Source: Roy Oswalt undecided
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"After indicating late Friday night that pitcher Roy Oswalt was signing with the St. Louis Cardinals "soon," the same major league source acknowledged Wednesday that Oswalt had not yet made a decision and that the Red Sox still "had a great chance" of signing him. In the interim, Oswalt also paid a visit to the Texas Rangers, so it appears that it remains a three-team contest among the Cardinals, Rangers and Red Sox. A Red Sox source confirmed Wednesday that the team had not abandoned hopes of signing Oswalt, indicating that the 34-year-old right-hander may have a better chance at a regular turn starting with the Sox than with the other two clubs, both of whom appear to have filled their"
Source: David Ortiz 'likely' to hearing
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"It appears "likely" that the Boston Red Sox and David Ortiz are headed to a hearing to decide his arbitration case, a major league source with knowledge of the situation said Wednesday. The source also said the hearing was not scheduled for this week, so there is still time to negotiate. If the sides do go to a hearing, it will be the team's first since Tim Wakefield in 2002. Hearings began Tuesday and continue through Feb. 17 in St. Petersburg, Fla. At the hearing, an independent arbitration panel would decide on Ortiz's 2012 salary, choosing between numbers submitted by the team and the player."
Source: Sox 'out of the picture' on Jackson
February 1
ESPN Boston
 
"The Boston Red Sox have made an offer but are "most likely out of the picture" for Edwin Jackson, the top starting pitcher remaining on the free-agent market, because there are better deals on the table from other clubs, according to a baseball source. Boston's offer to Jackson was for one year and between $5 million and $6 million, according to the Boston Globe. Jackson has said from the get-go that he was seeking a multi-year deal. The Red Sox also appear to be on the outside in their hunt for free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt, who reportedly prefers either the St. Louis Cardinals or Texas Rangers. A source late last week said he was close to a deal with the Cardinals."
Red Sox offer Edwin Jackson one-year, $5-6M contract
February 1
Boston Globe
 
"Lots of buzz out there about the possibility that free-agent righty Edwin Jackson may accept a one-year deal with a contender to improve his value and go back into the free-agent market next season. Right now it doesn't look like Boston, That, of course could change. Jackson is a Scott Boras client and Boras recently did this with former Phillies closer Ryan Madson, signing him to a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds. Boras also signed third baseman Adrian Beltre for one year in Boston, before getting him a huge deal with the Texas Rangers. So signing a one-year deal when the market doesn't quite believe in you is not such a bad idea."
Source: Hearing increasingly likely for Ortiz, Red Sox
January 31
Foxsports.com
 
"The Boston Red Sox and David Ortiz remain far apart in talks about his 2012 contract, making a salary arbitration hearing increasingly likely, one major-league source told FOXSports.com. The sides have made little recent progress in negotiations, the source indicated, setting up what could be an uncomfortable hearing for the 36-year-old. Ortiz has been one of the most popular and productive Red Sox since joining the organization before the 2003 season. In a hearing – which has been tentatively scheduled for mid-February – he would listen to Red Sox representatives argue why he deserves a $12.65 million salary, rather than the $16.5 million he has requested."
Wakefield plays the waiting game
January 30
Florida Today
 
"Knuckleballers can never really know where their fluttering pitches will land. The idea is to get the ball close enough to the strike zone to entice the batter to swing. Sometimes the best they can do is hope. That's exactly the situation Brevard County's favorite knuckleballer finds himself in this morning; hoping, waiting. With each day that passes without a concrete offer from a big league club, Tim Wakefield inches closer to a conversation he'd rather not have just yet. "I just saw that (Jorge) Posada retired, you know it's something that my wife and I need to talk about," Wakefield said this week, taking a short break from organizing a weekend of fundraising events for the Space Coast"
Selig: No timeframe for solving Cubs-Red Sox compensation
January 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs and Red Sox have submitted written proposals – thought to include names of players – to commissioner Bid Selif in hopes of settling their dispute over compensation for Theo Epstein switching allegiance. "I'd like to get it done as expeditiously as possible," commissioner Bud Selig said Friday evening at SoxFest. Asked if it were fair for a third party to decide what talent ultimately switches teams, Selig replied: "That's the way baseball is set up. If the clubs can't solve their own disputes, then the commissioner does. After 20 years, I accept it as part of the job and don't really think too much about it." An obviously irritated Selig had told the Cubs and Red Sox several times"
Source: Sox sign RHP Maine
January 28
Boston Herald
 
"The Red Sox' quest for pitching depth continues. The Sox have signed right-hander John Maine to a minor league contract that does not include an invitation to spring training, according to a major league source. Maine has not pitched since 2010 thanks to shoulder surgery. The 30-year-old is 41-36 lifetime with a 4.35 ERA over seven seasons with the Orioles and Mets. Maine signed with the Rockies last season but never made it out of Triple A, going 1-3 with a 7.43 ERA in 11 starts for Colorado Springs. His best season came in 2007 with New York, when he went 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA. He memorably took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Marlins in the next-to-last game of that"
Red Sox like Oswalt, but does he like them?
January 25
CBSSports.com
 
"The Red Sox like Roy Oswalt. But is the feeling mutual? The Sox, sources say, have made a significant offer to the free-agent right-hander. Oswalt has yet to accept, raising some doubt about his interest in going to Boston. Oswalt already told the Tigers he wasn't interested in going to Detroit, sources said, and even a recruiting phone call from Justin Verlander didn't sway him. While he may not have given the Red Sox as definite a "no," it is thought that he would prefer teams closer to his home state of Mississippi."
Red Sox avoid arbitration with Daniel Bard at $1.6125M
January 22
Hardball Talk
 
"The Red Sox avoided salary arbitration on Saturday night with right-hander Daniel Bard by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $1.6125 million. This according to MLB.com beat writer Ian Browne. Bard requested $1.825 million and was offered $1.4 million when arbitration figures were exchanged on Tuesday. It took less than a week for his agent and the Red Sox front office to find a middle ground."
Sox swap Scutaro ... for Oswalt?
January 22
ESPN.com
 
"Here is the question Boston Red Sox fans should be asking themselves: Would you trade Marco Scutaro straight up for Roy Oswalt? My guess is that many of you would say yes. I'm inclined to join you, and soon -- perhaps within days -- it will be clear that Ben Cherington agrees with you. That was what Saturday night's trade of Scutaro to the Colorado Rockies was all about. Just a couple of days ago, Cherington mentioned that he considered exercising Scutaro's $6 million option for the 2012 season a "significant acquisition," likening the late-October decision to signing a free agent. Now, a couple of months later, Cherington has decided that money will be better spent elsewhere. He shipped"
Red Sox still searching
January 21
Boston Herald
 
"Just because the Red Sox have not been able to bring in another starter on a major league deal does not mean they have abandoned hope of doing so. That is why they are still maintaining contact with the agent for free agent starter Roy Oswalt, an alluring remedy for the club's starting pitching blues. Oswalt may be amenable to a one-year deal worth roughly $8 million. The fact the Red Sox have not yet made a bold run to lock up Oswalt at that price could be a sign of how close the team is to breaking the $178 million luxury tax threshold. That could help explain why word spread from the Rocky Mountains yesterday that the Rockies and the Red Sox had spoken about a deal to send shortstop"
Ellsbury back in fold, Ortiz still on hold
January 18
Boston Herald
 
"The Red Sox were 1-for-2 with their big arbitration candidates yesterday. First, they signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a one-year, $8.05 million deal that justifiably more than triples their all-everything center fielder's salary. Then, they failed to reach an agreement with designated hitter David Ortiz [stats], who didn't mess around when it came time to exchange figures with the team. According to CBS Sports, Ortiz asked for $16.5 million, while the Sox countered with just a modest raise from last year's $12.5 million salary to $12.65 million. Hearings don't begin until Feb.?1, and the sides are free to continue negotiating until then, but the gulf between them certainly suggests they'll have"
Sox agree on $8m deal with Ellsbury
January 17
Boston Herald
 
"The Red Sox announced today that they have reached one-year deals with Jacoby Ellsbury and infielder Mike Aviles. According to a major league source, Ellsbury will earn $8.05 million, while Aviles will get $1.2 million. That leaves four players without contracts: Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard, Andrew Bailey and David Ortiz. If the team and players can't reach an agreement shortly, they'll exchange arbitration figures this afternoon. But they'll remain able to negotiate until a hearing. Hearings begin on Feb. 1."
Saltalamacchia, Sox agree to $2.5m deal
January 16
Boston Globe
 
"The Red Sox chopped into their long list of unsigned players yesterday when catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. Saltalamacchia hit .235 last season with 16 home runs and 56 RBIs. He ranked third among American League catchers with a .452 slugging percentage and fourth with a .741 OPS. He also threw out 28 runners attempting to steal, the most for a Sox catcher since 2002."
Is Varitek in line for an invitation?
January 14
Boston Globe
 
"It is awkward for both sides. Clearly the Red Sox have moved on from Jason Varitek as their primary catching option. Jarrod Saltalamacchia is entrenched as the No. 1 catcher and the team signed veteran Kelly Shoppach in December and rookie Ryan Lavarnway is knocking on the door. In response to a tweet by Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that the team was offering Varitek a spring training invitation as a non-roster player, Sox general manager Ben Cherington texted he has not yet made a formal offer of any kind to the 39-year-old - although Sox sources indicate that likely will be the scenario. Cherington and agent Scott Boras have been in contact all winter on Varitek and Jacoby Ellsbury, who"
Invitation for Tek possible
January 14
Boston Herald
 
"Jason Varitek's chances of returning to the Red Sox as a backup catcher were downgraded to remote, at best, when free agent Kelly Shoppach signed a one-year contract last month. But the Red Sox want to keep their longtime captain in the family. And so, although a formal contract offer has not been made, a major league source said last night the Red Sox are "open to discussion" about having Varitek come to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Even then, his odds of making the club would be slim. In essence, he would serve as insurance in case of injury to Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Shoppach or top prospect Ryan Lavarnway, while showcasing himself for other teams. But if Varitek decides to"
Red Sox Meet With Vicente Padilla
January 12
MLB Trade Rumors
 
"Two days after signing Aaron Cook, the Red Sox are scouting another low-risk righty looking to rebound from injury. Vicente Padilla took leave of his native Nicaraguan winter league yesterday in order to fly to Boston, where he will be checked over today by team doctors, reports Francisco Jarquín Soto at the Nicaraguan paper El Nuevo Diario."
Rays, Red Sox, Cardinals may be fallbacks for Ryan Madson
January 8
Boston Globe
 
"Ryan Madson, RP, free agent - Doubtful that any team will give him the four years and $44 million he originally wanted from the Phillies, but he becomes a pretty good bargain if he is still looking for something later this month or into February. The Angels say they're not interested, but I just don't see how they can entrust their superb rotation to Jordan Walden, who blew 10 saves last season. When and if the price goes down, a lot of teams - including the Red Sox, Rays, and Cardinals - will be interested."
Bobby Jenks has back surgery again
January 6
Boston Herald
 
"The Red Sox' return on their $12 million investment in reliever Bobby Jenks will be delayed some more, after word came out yesterday that the oft-injured right-hander had a second surgical procedure on his back. Jenks, set to make another $6 million this season after earning $6 million for 19 appearances, a 2.23 WHIP and a 6.32 ERA last year, will not be ready at the start of spring training. Whether or not he will be available at the start of the regular season remains to be seen. Last year, Jenks missed May with a biceps strain and at midseason a back problem cropped up. A pulmonary embolism, discovered in September, pushed back his first surgery. Complications forced the second, less"
Sox may prefer Soler to Cespedes
January 4
Boston Globe
 
"The Red Sox have scouted and are impressed with both Cuban defectors Yoennis Cespedes and Jorge Soler, but it appears the Red Sox will likely pass on the huge dollars it may take to sign Cespedes and bid for Soler instead, according to a major league source. Soler, 19, is a 6-3 slender right-handed hitting centerfielder, who needs more seasoning compared to the Major League-ready Cespedes, who is 26 and ready to step into someone's outfield."
Red Sox sign Hill to minor league deal
December 31
Boston Globe
 
"The Red Sox have signed lefthanded reliever Rich Hill, the pride of Milton, to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. Hill tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow on June 1 and underwent Tommy John surgery on June 9. He is hopeful of being ready to pitch at some point early next season. Hill has appeared in 15 games for the Red Sox over the last two seasons, throwing 12 scoreless innings and striking out 12 with three walks. According to Elias, he is the first Red Sox pitcher with 15 scoreless outings to begin his career with the club."
Late-developing market for late-inning types
December 26
Foxsports.com
 
"Yes, Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero are still out there. "The trade market snuck up on these free-agent closers," the NL executive said. "They should have taken the money and ran. All of a sudden, (Huston) Street, (Andrew) Bailey and (Brandon) League are out there. That's a significant impact on the free-agent pool that's normally not there." Street was dealt from Colorado to San Diego. Bailey (A's) and League (Mariners) are still available. Some in the industry believe Joakim Soria (Royals) and Carlos Marmol (Cubs) could be had for the right price. With those cost-controlled alternatives, it's understandable why clubs have been reluctant to offer Madson a four-year contract. For now,"
Beltran expected to chose team soon
December 21
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals remain in the mix for one of the top free agents still on the market even as they explore alternate ways to address an opening in the outfield. All-Star Carlos Beltran is expected to select his next team this week, a source familiar with his plans said. The Cardinals have been one of the teams pursuing the switch-hitting outfielder, who has varied offers from five different teams, a source described. While Beltran deliberates, the Cardinals have explored other options — including free agent outfielder Coco Crisp — that could add a new dimension to their lineup or increased depth to the bench. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, who does not comment on individual free"
Sources: Red Sox called on Kansas City closer Joakim Soria
December 18
WEEI Boston
 
"According to multiple sources, the Red Sox had discussions with the Royals about the possibility of dealing for Kansas City closer Joakim Soria. The talks have currently failed to progress, however, with KC seeking (according to a source) at least "a couple solid pieces." (Translation: the kind of players the Red Sox aren't going to be putting in a deal for Soria.) The 27-year-old Soria — whom the Red Sox did have some interest in at the 2010 non-waiver trade deadline — is coming off his worst season, converting 28 of 35 save opportunities, while finishing with a 4.03 ERA. Opponents hit .259 off of the righty, who hadn't allowed an OBA of higher than .219 in any of his previous four"
White Sox pitchers may be on the market
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"John Danks, LHP: Danks is a dream pitcher for the Yankees, a left-hander who has had success pitching in a smallish American League ballpark. He could be the replacement for Andy Pettitte that the Yankees have yet to find. If the Yankees' farm system is as good as they say, then they should be able to put together a package to entice White Sox GM Kenny Williams. The Reds, Royals, Rangers, Rockies and Twins also are looking to upgrade their starting rotations. Gavin Floyd, RHP: If the Red Sox can't trade for Garza or Gio Gonzalez, Floyd may be their next-best option. He has excellent numbers at Fenway Park — 3-0, 2.84 ERA, 25 1/3 innings — albeit in a small sample size. The question is"
Red Sox acquire Houston's Mark Melancon for Jed Lowrie, Kyle Weiland
December 15
Boston Herald
 
"Save opportunities were rarer than diamonds this year for the 106-loss Houston Astros. But when Mark Melancon got a chance, he usually delivered. "He was nails," Astros manager Brad Mills said last night. The Red Sox were impressed enough that yesterday they traded talented, but oft-injured infielder Jed Lowrie and right-hander Kyle Weiland to the Astros for Melancon, who won't necessarily replace closer Jonathan Papelbon but surely will pitch in close games when late-inning leads need to be safeguarded. Melancon, 26, took the reins as Astros closer in May and recorded 20 saves in 25 chances. He was 8-4 on the season with a 2.78 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 742/3 innings spanning 71"
Report: Sox acquire Mark Melancon from Astros
December 14
Boston Globe
 
"The Red Sox have made a significant addition to their bullpen, acquiring righthanded reliever Mark Melancon from the Astros for infielder Jed Lowrie and reliever Kyle Weiland. Melancon, a hard-throwing 26-year-old had a 2.78 earned run average and 20 saves in 74.1 innings for Houston last season. He struck out 66 and walked 26. His numbers suggest he could serve as the departed Jonathan Papelbon's successor as the Red Sox closer in '12, though he may also be the first of many pieces added to the bullpen, especially if Daniel Bard ends up in the rotation. Oakland closer Andrew Bailey is one among a handful of potential relievers the Red Sox could still pursue."
Sox may pursue Joe Saunders
December 13
CSN New England
 
"Among players non-tendered by other clubs, left-handed starter Joe Saunders, formerly of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is someone in whom the Sox have an interest. Saunders, a free agent, was 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA last year for the Diamondbacks, his first full season in Arizona after being traded by the Angels in July 2010. He made $5.5 million in 2011."
Limited interest shown in Darvish by Red Sox
December 10
Boston Globe
 
"Japanese star righthander Yu Darvish will be made available to major league teams via the posting system. But the Red Sox seem lukewarm to the idea of bidding for him. The 6-foot-5-inch Darvish was 18-6 with a 1.44 earned run average for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of the Pacific League last season. He had 276 strikeouts. The Blue Jays and Rangers are expected to be serious bidders for Darvish, with the Yankees always a possibility. But Sox general manager Ben Cherington does not seem enthused. "I'm not sure the timing this offseason puts us in a position to be the most aggressive team,'' said Cherington. "But he's a good pitcher and we have a lot of respect for him. We'll certainly"
Red Sox sign Mathis to minor league deal
December 10
Boston Globe
 
"According to the Baseball America's minor league transactions wire, the Red Sox have signed RHP Doug Mathis. The 28-year-old comes via Korea, where he finished last season. He had 45 games of experience with the Rangers from 2008-10. Mathis had a 4.84 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP and was mainly used in relief."
David Ortiz chooses to take arbitration
December 8
Boston Herald
 
"David Ortiz is betting on himself. As expected, Ortiz met last night's 11:59 p.m. deadline by informing the Red Sox that he will accept arbitration, according to an industry source. The decision all but guarantees Big Papi will return for a 10th season, and the Red Sox will keep his potent bat in the middle of their lineup. Initially, Ortiz had been seeking a multiyear contract. But the market for designated hitters — even one who notched 29 homers, 96 RBI and a .953 on-base plus slugging percentage last season — wasn't strong, and arbitration became his best option."
Pirates To Sign Erik Bedard
December 7
MLB Trade Rumors
 
"The Pirates have agreed to sign lefty Erik Bedard, MLBTR has confirmed. Canadian journalist Marc Brassard first tweeted news of an impending $4.5MM deal. Bedard, 32, is coming off his healthiest season since 2007. This year for the Mariners and Red Sox he posted a 3.62 ERA, 8.7 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 0.97 HR/9, and 42% groundball rate in 129 1/3 innings. He missed time with knee and lat sprains, which wasn't too bad after shoulder surgeries limited him to 164 innings for 2008-09. The signing has upside for the Pirates, who needed some depth after losing Paul Maholm to free agency. Additionally, Charlie Morton had hip surgery in October and could miss the start of the season."
Whole new game if Darvish is involved
December 7
MLB.com
 columnist Anthony Castrovince
"Part of the private art collection housed in the Hilton Anatole are two life-sized, three-ton elephant statues that stand in the tower lobby -- eight-foot creatures looming over all the Hot Stove hubbub of these Winter Meetings. They are the actual elephants in the room, though there are, of course, figurative ones in play here, too. The first, undoubtedly, is Albert Pujols, and the Marlins' reported 10-year offer for his services had the lobby buzzing early Tuesday and through the night. Pujols' next move is going to have a big bearing not only on the Fish and Cardinals, but also on many free-agent moves to follow. But another elephant in the room -- one not drawing nearly as much focus"
Case is far from closed in bullpen
December 7
Boston Globe
 
"On the one hand, the Sox know they have either two very good starters or relievers in Aceves and Bard. If they split the difference and put Bard in the rotation, nothing says Aceves can't be a closer. He certainly has the stuff and the stamina. The Red Sox already have discussed a deal with the A's for Andrew Bailey, but right now the price appears high, with Oakland seeking prospects such as third baseman Will Middlebrooks that Boston is hesitant to deal. The Red Sox could sign free agent closer Ryan Madson, a Scott Boras client who is looking for a four-year deal. There are other options such as Frankie Rodriguez, Francisco Cordero, Brad Lidge, etc."
Expect David Ortiz to be back
December 7
Boston Herald
 
"David Ortiz' tenure with the Red Sox will last for at least one more season. With the market for full-time designated hitters shrinking, Ortiz is planning to accept salary arbitration before tonight's 11:59 p.m. deadline, a source close to the slugger said last night. By doing so, he will be agreeing to a one-year contract worth more than his $12.5?million salary in 2011. For weeks, Ortiz has been seeking a multiyear deal. And while it's possible agent Fern Cuza could meet again with the Red Sox before the deadline, it seems unlikely at this point that the sides will agree on a two-year deal for Ortiz' desired annual salary, according to the source."
Source: David Ortiz will accept arbitration
December 7
Boston Herald
 
"David Ortiz' tenure with the Red Sox will last for at least one more season. According to a source close to the slugging designated hitter, Ortiz intends to accept the Red Sox' offer of salary arbitration, a decision tantamount to signing a one-year contract extension worth more than his $12.5 million salary in 2011. Ortiz has been seeking a multiyear contract, but at this point, an agreement on a two- or three-year deal appears unlikely, the source said. Earlier this evening, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said the club was awaiting Ortiz' decision before the deadline at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday night. Cherington wasn't certain if he would meet again tonight with Ortiz' agent, Fern"
Parade of possibilities at the winter meetings
December 4
Boston Globe
 
"You can shop for the groceries anytime, anywhere, really, but there is no place like the winter meetings, which begin tomorrow in Dallas with plenty of shopping options under one roof. Some winter meetings are more productive than others, and while there has been movement on the free agent front already - the big deal for Jonathan Papelbon in Philadelphia heads the list - the futures of Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes, and C.J. Wilson have not been decided. By the end of business Thursday, we may have a clearer picture as to where the big names wind up. Here's a team-by-team look at what could happen:"
Oswalt, Wilson's agent to meet with Red Sox in Dallas
December 3
Boston Herald
 
"The Red Sox will meet with the agent for C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt in Dallas during the Winter Meetings. The discussion will be a continuation of talks between GM Ben Cherington and Bob Garber that were held in Milwaukee last month during the GM meetings. After that conversation, Garber said it would be "premature" to say that that the Red Sox were only doing their due diligence when it came to checking in on Wilson, the biggest name on the starting pitching free agent market. Said Garber: "I would say it's premature to say that the Red Sox aren't going to be interested in C.J., and C.J. is very interested in playing for the Red Sox. Fenway is one of his favorite places to pitch and he's"