Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 3

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox may already have lost assistant general manager Jed Hoyer to the Padres and bench coach Brad Mills to the Astros, but they won't be losing director of player development Mike Hazen, who was offered an assistant general manager job by San Diego. According to a baseball source, Hazen will remain with the Sox. His duties won't be different, including no new title, though he will be granted more autonomy based on the changing role of assistant general manager Ben Cherington. With the departure of Hoyer, Cherington will move from overseeing amateur scouting and drafting and player development to focusing more on the major league club, including roster construction and contract ..."

Agent: Chapman had 'very good visit'

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October 29

ESPN.com

"Free-agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman met with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Wednesday and reportedly came away impressed with what he saw. "Boston was one of the teams he was interested in from the start, and that certainly hasn't changed," Chapman's agent, Edwin Mejia, told The Boston Globe. "It was a very good visit." Mejia told the Globe that he and Chapman met with baseball operations personnel and one player, whom Mejia would not identify. Chapman, 21, reportedly had been scheduled to throw for the Red Sox as well, though it is unclear whether the wet weather in the area Wednesday pushed back those plans. The New York Yankees also are among the teams interested in ..."

Astros interview Mills, Clark on Tuesday

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October 27

MLB.com

"Boston Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills and Astros interim manger Dave Clark arrived at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday morning to interview with the Astros again about their vacant full-time manager position. Mills and Clark were two of 10 original candidates to replace Cecil Cooper, who was dismissed on Sept. 21, and join former manager Phil Garner as the lone remaining finalists. Garner was told by club officials Monday he was still in the running for the job, but he had yet to have another interview scheduled. The Astros offered the job Saturday to Manny Acta, but he turned down the Astros' two-year deal with an option in favor of a three-year deal plus an option to become the manager of the ..."

Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes

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October 27

SI.com

"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."

Mets not interested in Lackey or Bradley; Holliday tops their list

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October 26

SI.com

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"The Mets don't seem inclined to pursue top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, who will surely shoot for a $100 million-plus contract in light of A.J. Burnett's $82.5 million deal. They do want to add a solid starting pitcher (they may try a do-over on Randy Wolf), but their big-ticket target is most likely going to be a left fielder. Matt Holliday is believed to top their list, though Jason Bay will certainly suffice. Bobby Abreu is another top free-agent outfielder, while Carl Crawford could be available in trade. The Mets have no interest in taking on Milton Bradley's problems."

Yankees and Red Sox are expected to battle for Aroldis Chapman

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October 26

SI.com

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"The Yankees and Red Sox are expected to do battle for talented left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector. While many other teams have shown interest, it's still hard to imagine anyone else plunking down $40 million-plus for a pitcher who's unproven at the big-league level."

Mets meet Cuban defector, 100-mph hurler Aroldis Chapman

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October 24

New York Daily News

"Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman met the Mets at Citi Field Friday as part of his tour with agent Edwin Mejia to find a team for the 21-year-old lefthander. Chapman, whose fastball reportedly registers 100 mph, arrived in New York this week after establishing residency in Andorra , a European nation bordered by France and Spain , to avoid being subject to the draft. The Yankees have been tight-lipped about their interest in Chapman, but are thought to be more serious suitors than the Mets, and will meet with him this weekend before he talks with the Red Sox next week. It's unclear what type of contract Chapman will command as a free agent, but the interest of several ..."

Tim Wakefield will be back

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October 23

Boston Herald

"Tim Wakefield was brimming with optimism yesterday, one day after he underwent surgery to repair his herniated disc. "The whole procedure went as planned," said Wakefield. "Everything went perfect. They didn't see any further damage. The doctors said, 'You look perfect and you should be ready to go by spring training.' " Wakefield was "ecstatic" about the news, a 180-degree change from his attitude in the second half of his season when the injury cropped up. Wakefield had his first-ever All-Star first half this year, leading the majors with 11 wins, but he made just four starts after that. Limping around the clubhouse for months while trying to work through the injury via cortisone shots - ..."

Acta, Mills get second Astros interviews

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October 22

MLB.com

"Former Nationals manager Manny Acta and Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills both interviewed Wednesday for a second time with the Astros for the managerial position than became open when Cecil Cooper was dismissed last month. Acta, who was fired in July after 2 1/2 seasons as manager of the Nationals, and Mills were two of 10 men to interview with the Astros during a six-day span ending Monday. Houston general manager Ed Wade confirmed Acta interviewed with the front office, including owner Drayton McLane. "Manny came to town and had an opportunity to sit with us and sit with our group, including Drayton," Wade said. Acta arrived in Houston from Cleveland, where he interviewed Tuesday for the ..."

Sources: Padres moving closer to hire

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October 21

ESPN.com

columnist Buster Olney

"The San Diego Padres are moving closer toward hiring Jed Hoyer, an assistant general manager with the Boston Red Sox, as their next general manager, according to major league sources. Hoyer, 35, has worked in Boston's front office under Theo Epstein. Hoyer has interviewed with other teams for GM jobs in the past. Jeff Moorad, who became CEO and part-owner of the Padres earlier this year, informed Kevin Towers on the final weekend of the regular season that he would not continue as the team's general manager. Towers had been San Diego's GM since 1995."

Projected projects for Theo Epstein

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October 15

Boston Herald

"Theo Epstein's attempted reclamation projects with John Smoltz and Brad Penny were not what the Sox general manager had hoped for. Still, the idea of dipping into the free-agent well for similar low-cost, incentive-based deals for pitchers coming back from injuries or with long histories of injuries is still a possibility this offseason. Here's a peek at three possible pitchers who could be on the Red Sox' radar this winter: Ben Sheets Age: 31 Status: Free agent Salary last year: DNP Recent stats: 13-9, 3.09 ERA (2008) Strengths: Imposing power righty when healthy, with great command. Weaknesses: Durability is an issue. Sheets has made more than 25 starts in a season only once since 2004. ..."

John Farrell says he's not interested in being Cleveland Indians manager

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October 14

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The next manager of the Indians will not be Boston pitching coach John Farrell. Farrell, former Indians pitcher and farm director, has withdrawn his name from consideration. He told GM Mark Shapiro this morning. "It's an honor to be considered for the job," Farrell to The Plain Dealer. "Especially for a team that I played for, my father played for and where there are so many people I know and respect. All those things considered, my desire is to fulfill the commitment between Boston and myself. "There's no denying there is an intent to manager at sometime. But I have a mutual commitment with Boston that I feel I should fulfill." Farrell pitched for the Indians from 1987 through 1990 and ..."

Left with work to do

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October 14

Boston Herald

columnist Sean McAdam

"Until at least the middle of November, potential free agent Jason Bay can't sign with anybody else except the Red Sox [team stats]. But given that Bay and the Red Sox already have had plenty of opportunities to work out a contract extension for the outfielder, how meaningful will those next five weeks be? "It's very unusual for a player not to take the opportunity to at least listen, if he's come this far, to what other teams have to say," general manager Theo Epstein said Monday. Indeed, if the Sox couldn't get Bay signed in March, and again at the All-Star break, why should the next month or so be any different? Industry sources suggest Bay and the Sox are quite far apart - both in terms ..."

Agent doubts Billy Wagner will retire

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October 13

Boston Herald

"Billy Wagner's agent, Bean Stringfellow, did not take his client's comments about leaning towards retirement too seriously. "Those comments probably came right after the Red Sox lost, so I'd bet they were said in the heat of the moment, when he was very frustrated," said Stringfellow in a phone conversation today. "That's probably not the best time to take comments like that as gospel." Wagner, 38, told the New York Post, "I don't plan on talking to nobody," regarding where he could pitch in 2010. Asked if that meant retirement, Wagner said, "Why wouldn't I? I've got nothing else to [accomplish]." Wagner is 15 saves short of reaching 400 in his career. "That's just dust in the wind," he ..."

Ex-Met Wagner eyes retirement, not 400th career save

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October 13

New York Post

"Billy Wagner may have thrown his last pitch in the major leagues. The former Mets pitcher told The Post yesterday he's planning to retire rather than pursue a closer's job -- and 400 career saves -- next season. Wagner allowed two runs in two-thirds of an inning for the Red Sox on Sunday in Game 3 of the ALDS before closer Jonathan Papelbon surrendered three runs in the ninth. The Red Sox season ended with a 7-6 loss to the Angels. "I don't plan on talking to nobody," Wagner said, when asked where he might pitch next season. Does that mean retirement? "Why wouldn't I?" he said. "I've got nothing else to [accomplish]." That's a different picture than Wagner painted before leaving the Mets ..."

Theo Epstein: We'll talk to Jason Varitek

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October 13

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox have yet to sit down with their captain, catcher Jason Varitek, to address his 2010 contract. The club holds an option worth $5 million. If the Sox decide, as expected by most, not to pick it up, Varitek then would have to decide to exercise his $3 million player option or become an unrestricted free agent. Varitek was an unrestricted free agent last winter, when he instructed agent Scott Boras to deal with the Red Sox exclusively. They finally hammered out the one-year contract with an option deal in which Varitek was paid a $5 million base salary this season. Varitek, who did not appear in the three Division Series games, turned 37 in April. In the regular season he hit .209, ..."

Farrell expected to stay in fold

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October 13

Boston Globe

"Pitching coach John Farrell, a candidate for the Cleveland Indians managerial opening, apparently will be staying with the Red Sox for 2010. Even before the Indians contacted the Sox to request permission to speak with Farrell, Farrell told the Sox he wanted to stay. Once the Sox received a request, general manager Theo Epstein scheduled a meeting with Farrell to discuss his future. "Based on everything we've talked about, my strong expectation is he's going to stay here,'' Epstein said. "We're excited about that. He's an important guy to the organization.''"

Astros eye Sox coaches

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October 13

Boston Herald

"For the second year in a row, two members of the Red Sox coaching staff could be competing against one another for a major league managerial opening. The Red Sox have given permission to the Houston Astros to interview bench coach Brad Mills and first base coach Tim Bogar. The Astros fired manager Cecil Cooper last month and are seeking a replacement. Both Mills and Bogar are scheduled to be interviewed Monday in Houston. "It's pretty cool," said Mills of the fact that he and Bogar have at the same opportunity. "It just goes to show how many good guys we have on this coaching staff and it says a lot about Tito (Francona) and Theo (Epstein) and ownership and the people they've put together ..."

Red Sox grant permission for Indians to talk with pitching coach John Farrell about managerial opening

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October 12

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians have been granted permission to talk to Boston pitching coach John Farrell for their vacant manager's job, but the final decision will be up to Farrell. The Red Sox were eliminated from the AL Division Series on Sunday in a three-game sweep by the Los Angeles Angels. Boston GM Theo Epstein told the Associated Press that Farrell would be allowed to interview with the Indians if he wanted. Epstein added that Farrell said he would like to stay in Boston."

Melvin joins list of managerial candidates

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October 12

MLB.com

"Bob Melvin, the 2007 National League Manager of the Year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, confirmed on Monday he will interview with the Astros this week for their vacant managerial position. Melvin is the latest in growing list of candidates who will be given interviews, including Boston Red Sox first-base coach Tim Bogar, bench coach Brad Mills, former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta and Astros interim manager Dave Clark. Astros general manager Ed Wade on Monday confirmed Bogar, Mills and Acta would interview later this week, along with Astros Minor League field coordinator Al Pedrique. Clark will be among one of two candidates to interview on Wednesday. "It's obviously a great ..."

Terry Francona's plan calls for Jon Lester to start Game 4

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October 10

Boston Herald

"Officially, the Red Sox have not named a starter for a Game 4 of the Division Series against the Angels. But listen closely to manager Terry Francona, and it becomes apparent he would very much like the starter to be left-hander Jon Lester and is planning accordingly. Lester, the losing pitcher in Game 1 Thursday night, would be pitching on three days' rest. The alternative would be right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, who was available for relief duty last night when the Sox took on the Angels in Game 2 at Angel Stadium. Noting Lester may pitch a side session at Fenway Park today, Francona said, "We've already talked with him . . . we'd like to bring him back (in Game 4). Again, we're getting ..."

Resellers see lower prices for Red Sox playoffs

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October 7

Boston Herald

"Red Sox fans hoping to catch their hometown team in an American League Division Series game against the Los Angeles Angels are in luck this year. The combination of the lackluster economy and Boston fans being accustomed to the Red Sox competing in postseason play has led to a record number of tickets on the resale market. And the greater supply means lower prices. "We're seeing ticket prices about 15 to 20 percent lower across the series compared to ALDS games last year," said Michael Janes, CEO of online ticket search engine FanSnap.com. "From the bleachers to down behind home plate, there are tickets available in every area of the ballparks." Tickets for tomorrow's first game at Angel ..."

Manny Delcarmen crash scare

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October 4

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox continue to keep dodging bullets - Jon Lester's knee, Alex Gonzalez' hand. Yesterday might have been their luckiest day yet. Right-handed reliever Manny Delcarmen had to be taken to Mass General Hospital by ambulance after hitting the I-93 median near Savin Hill on his way to Fenway Park yesterday afternoon at around 2:30. His Hummer lost its left front tire, the driver's door was crushed inwards and the windshield shattered, but Delcarmen emerged relatively unscathed. He was at Fenway Park by 4 p.m. After the 11-6 Red Sox' victory, Delcarmen said he was "still a little shaken up" about the accident. "When I knew I was OK, I felt like I was in a movie. This was my first ..."

Gonzalez injury could be a shortfall

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October 3

Boston Globe

"With the Red Sox already down two shortstops - Nick Green is still having trouble with the disk/nerve issue in his back, and Jed Lowrie isn't yet fully recovered from the left wrist problems that have plagued him all season - it was not good news when Alex Gonzalez was removed from last night's game after being hit by a pitch on his right hand, between the base of the pinky finger and the heel of the wrist, in the eighth inning. "I don't feel any pain,'' said Gonzalez, whose hand was bandaged and iced after the game. "I feel good. I can move my fingers and hand, my wrist. I hope there's nothing big. I can use my hand, and I can squeeze.'' Gonzalez had preliminary X-rays at Fenway Park, ..."

Next pitch after Wedge?

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October 1

Boston Globe

"After the Indians fired manager Eric Wedge yesterday, speculation centered on Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell as a prime candidate to replace him because of his strong ties to the Cleveland organization and his high standing in the game. After the Indians fired manager Eric Wedge yesterday, speculation centered on Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell as a prime candidate to replace him because of his strong ties to the Cleveland organization and his high standing in the game."

Beckett's outlook appears optimistic

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September 30

Boston Globe

"Even with the memory of last season's injury-marred playoffs, and after having woken up with back spasms before his scheduled start Monday, Josh Beckett yesterday said he anticipated no further issues with his back. He appeared optimistic about his chances to pitch during the rest of the regular season, and the postseason. "Absolutely, I think I'll make my next start,'' Beckett said. "I think if I had to I could probably - I don't think we're going to need this - but I could go sooner if I needed to than Saturday. I think right now we're just kind of looking at Saturday to hopefully set things up.''"

Josh Beckett out with injury

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September 29

Boston Herald

"Josh Beckett was scratched from last night's scheduled start against the Toronto Blue Jays with mild spasms in his upper back that may sideline him through the weekend. Beckett had trouble getting comfortable during the flight home from New York on Sunday and awoke yesterday feeling no better. He called manager Terry Francona, who replaced him with Michael Bowden. "He's been feeling it," Francona said. "Again, this time of year, guys feel a lot. On the plane he tried to get comfortable and couldn't. He thought he could wake up, take a hot shower and go about his business. When that didn't happen he called me, and it wasn't a real difficult decision." Francona said the Red Sox probably will ..."

Lester Hit on Leg by Line Drive; X-Rays Negative

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September 26

New York Times

"Boston starter Jon Lester was hit in the right leg by Melky Cabrera's line drive in the third inning and crumpled to the mound at Yankee Stadium. As the Red Sox saw Lester grimace in pain, they no doubt wondered if one of their best pitchers was seriously injured and surely worried about the postseason. While Lester seemed to be in considerable pain as he limped to the dugout, the Red Sox were soon able to exhale because X-rays were negative. The Red Sox said Lester had a contusion on his right quadriceps, but they did not immediately say if he would make his next start."

Cuban client Aroldis Chapman a big deal to agent

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September 23

Boston Herald

"Aroldis Chapman, the newest resident of Andorra, is on course to be the hottest pitching commodity available in the offseason. Expect the Red Sox [team stats] to be among the many teams who will explore signing the 21-year-old left-hander, whose features include a 100-plus mph fastball, a 6-foot-4 frame and four years of professional experience pitching in Cuba. Since the Cuban defected while in the Netherlands in July, teams have been waiting for the process to unfold where he would become an unrestricted free agent. A major development took place over the weekend when Chapman was able to establish residency in Andorra, a tiny country situated between France and Spain. Major League ..."

Pitcher Chapman awaits MLB's ruling

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September 22

ESPN.com

"Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector considered to be one of the top pitching prospects in the world, petitioned Major League Baseball for free-agency status recently and is likely only weeks from becoming a free agent, according to his agent. Early Monday, Chapman's representatives announced that the left-hander has established residency in Andorra, a tiny country of about 84,000 that borders Spain and France. By establishing residency outside the United States, the 21-year-old Chapman avoids being subject to baseball's amateur draft. MLB must study his residency and legal paperwork before declaring him a free agent. "We chose Andorra because of its tranquility, its tax benefits for ..."

Wakefield may be thrown into the mix

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September 4

Boston Globe

"While there are no guarantees that any start by Tim Wakefield won't be one-and-done - as was the case the last time he reentered the rotation - there is the possibility that he could take the hill as soon as tomorrow. That decision won't be made until today, when it is determined whether the knuckleballer bounced back sufficiently from yesterday's side session."

Francona 'hopeful' Ellsbury plays Friday

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August 28

Boston Globe

"Red Sox manager Terry Francona is "hopeful" Jacoby Ellsbury will play Friday after he left Thursday night's Red Sox loss with a mild left high-ankle sprain after the fifth inning. "I don't think it's anything serious," Francona said. "We're certainly going to check with him tomorrow. I don't think it will be anything more than a nagging thing, and I'm glad we took him out. Got some ice on it, got it treated, and I'm hopeful that it'll be fine.""

Twins could splurge for Penny

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August 27

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins are among the teams interested in Red Sox pitcher Brad Penny and would consider claiming him off release waivers instead of waiting for him to become a free agent, major league officials told the Star Tribune today. Penny told the Boston Herald on Wednesday night that the Red Sox have granted him his release, but as of this morning, Penny had yet to be placed on release waivers. The Red Sox are expected to designate Penny for assignment tonight, to make room on their roster for reliever Billy Wagner. There is speculation Penny will clear release waivers and land with a National League club — with the Rockies and Marlins both reportedly interested – but the Twins will consider ..."

Penny Looking for Work

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August 27

InsideTheRockies.com

"Boston put Brad Penny on waivers. He clears waivers on Monday. Penny has indicated an interest in signing with the Rockies. San Francisco is reportedly making a strong push for the right-hander. The Rockies do have a need for a fifth starter. Josh Fogg drew the assignment on Wednesday in place of injured Aaron Cook, but failed to make it out of the fourth inning. Rockies manager Jim Tracy had Penny when Tracy managed the Dodgers, where Penny was criticized by teammates and coaches for his lack of commitment both mentally and physically. If a team signed Penny on Monday afternoon, following clearing waivers, he would only cost $85,000 in salary, the pro-rated portion of the major-league ..."

At least 3 NL teams interested in Penny

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August 27

ESPN.com

"As Brad Penny, who was told by Boston Red Sox officials Wednesday night that he is being released, is being moved through waivers, at least three NL contenders -- the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and Florida Marlins -- have expressed interest in the veteran right-hander, sources said. Those teams and any interested AL teams probably won't want to claim Penny off waivers, because the cost of Penny as short-term hire would be enormous. Penny is still owed about $1 million in salary for the rest of this season, and he has $500,000 in bonuses as he reaches 160 innings, 170 innings, 180 innings and then 190 innings. Penny has thrown 131 2/3 innings this season, which means that if he ..."

Penny should attract NL interest

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August 27

Foxsports.com

"Right-hander Brad Penny, released by the Red Sox on Wednesday night, could be a very popular man once he clears waivers on Monday. No team figures to claim Penny, who is owed more than $1 million by the Red Sox and is 28 1/3 innings away from cashing the first in a series of $500,000 incentives. However, once Penny is officially released, he will be available for a pro-rated portion of the minimum salary — the approximate price of a September call-up. Penny, 31, requested his release with the idea of joining a contender and building his value before he enters the free-agent market this off- season. His logical next step would be to return to the National League, where he had spent his ..."

Report: NY Mets' Billy Wagner will use no-trade clause to block deal with Boston Red Sox

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August 25

Newark Star-Ledger

"Billy Wagner will invoke his no-trade clause Tuesday and block a deal that would send him from the Mets to the Red Sox, Fox Sports reported on its web site. Boston claimed Wagner off waivers Friday, giving the teams until early Tuesday afternoon to work out a deal. But Wagner said after Monday's game that he expected to remain with the Mets, and The Boston Globe quoted an anonymous source Tuesday morning as saying the deal was "probably dead.""

As Red Sox deadline looms, Mets pitcher Billy Wagner likely to stay

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August 25

New York Daily News

"Billy Wagner believes there is a strong chance he will remain a Met after Tuesday's deadline to complete a trade with Boston passes. "My gut tells me I'm going to Florida right now (with the Mets)," Wagner said after working the eighth inning of Monday's 6-2 loss to the Phillies. "This time tomorrow, I don't know. But unless something changes with Boston, I'll probably be a Met." The former All-Star closer confirmed before the game that as a condition of waiving his no-trade clause, he had asked the Red Sox to agree to decline his 2010 contract option and to not offer him arbitration once he becomes a free agent. According to FOXSports.com, Wagner's agent Bean Stringfellow said that ..."

Billy Wagner still in works

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August 25

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox' attempt to pry reliever Billy Wagner from the Mets was expected to go down to the 1 p.m. deadline this afternoon. Wagner, claimed off waivers by the Red Sox late last week, made it clear after the Mets' game yesterday that he will void his no-trade clause only if the team trading for him will agree to not exercise his 2010 option worth $8 million. "I don't want to end my career as a setup man," Wagner said. "I'd like to have that option." The Red Sox want Wagner as a set-up man for closer Jonathan Papelbon. Initially, the Red Sox were led to believe that the Mets were not looking for much in return from any team willing to take Wagner and the remainder of his $10.5 million ..."

Wagner wants option declined

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August 24

ESPN.com

"Billy Wagner wants to be a closer next season, regardless of the team. That's why the New York Mets reliever says Boston must guarantee it will decline his contract option for 2010 before he would approve a potential trade to the Red Sox, who already have an All-Star closer in Jonathan Papelbon. Wagner has a no-trade clause in his contract, which includes an $8 million option for next year with a $1 million buyout. If his option is declined, he can become a free agent in the offseason and sign with any team. Wagner confirmed Monday that Boston placed a waiver claim on him last Friday. The Mets have until Tuesday to trade him to the Red Sox, pull him back off waivers or assign him to Boston ..."

Deal for Wagner hits potential roadblock

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August 24

MLB.com

"The Red Sox and Billy Wagner reportedly need to resolve some issues in order for the veteran reliever to waive his no-trade clause and clear the way for a deal with the Mets. Agent Bean Stringfellow told FOXSports.com that his client's conditions for waiving the no-trade clause were not being met by the Red Sox, meaning a deal before a Tuesday deadline could be in jeopardy. If there is no deal before Boston's waiver claim runs out Tuesday, the Mets could choose to pull Wagner off waivers, losing the right to trade him the remainder of the season. Or, they could choose to allow the Red Sox to claim without compensation and Wagner would be transferred to the Red Sox. According to the report, ..."

Papelbon not sold on Wagner deal

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August 24

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox' pursuit of Billy Wagner reportedly hit a stumbling block last night. And closer Jonathan Papelbon wasn't so sure that was a bad thing. Asked before the Sox' 8-4 loss to the Yankees if he thought the team should acquire the left-handed reliever from the Mets, Papelbon had mixed feelings. "It's a tough decision, because do you disrupt what we have now or do you make it better?" he said. "It's a tough decision, and I'm glad I don't have to make it." What makes the decision "tough" in Papelbon's mind appears to come out of a sense of loyalty he feels to the current bullpen. As in, if it's not broke, why fix it? Sox relievers have been mostly productive since the arrival of Daniel ..."

Billy Wagner willing to change Sox

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August 23

Boston Herald

"Mets reliever Billy Wagner will waive his no-trade clause to join the Red Sox if the team can swing a deal for him by Tuesday, his agent said last night. Bean Stringfellow, who represents Wagner, said his client's main concern is pitching for a winner this year. After that, the 38-year-old would like to close, because he needs only 15 more saves to become the fifth pitcher ever to reach 400. However, Stringfellow stopped short of saying Wagner would ask the Sox not to pick up his $8 million option for 2010 as a condition of any trade. "Certainly, the Red Sox would give him a chance to win a World Series, and this year that's first and foremost," Stringfellow said. "From where we sit, ..."

Billy Wagner could be headed to unfamiliar territory

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August 23

Boston Herald

"If the Mets and the Red Sox execute a trade sending Billy Wagner to Boston, Wagner won't see too many familiar faces in his new clubhouse. Of the Sawx's current traveling group, only one person has been a Wagner teammate: Red Sox first-base coach Tim Bogar, a former Met, played with Wagner on the Astros from 1997 through 2000, the period when Wagner established himself as an elite closer. "I remember when he first started working on his slider," Bogar said. As a first-year member of the Red Sox staff, Bogar said he wasn't consulted on Boston's waiver claim; it has been a long time, after all. But Wagner had that closer's swagger even back then, and Bogar has no doubt that the Red Sox would ..."

A Phillie again? Wagner says no

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August 22

Camden Courier-Post

"Eleven months removed from elbow surgery and one day after making a successful return to the majors, New York Mets reliever Billy Wagner was claimed off waivers Friday by the Boston Red Sox. The Phillies didn't have any interest. But even if they did, Wagner said he wouldn't waive his full no-trade clause to return to the Phillies, even for the last month of the season. The Mets, who have fallen out of playoff contention, are trying to dump some of Wagner's remaining salary and obtain a prospect to add to their depleted farm system. "No," Wagner said of whether he'd ever consider a return to the Phillies, for whom he was the closer in 2004 and 2005. "That (stuff) was hard enough for two ..."

Mets' Wagner May Go to Boston

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August 22

New York Times

"Subplots are more captivating than the actual baseball played these days at Citi Field, where the focus Friday was on two returning players and one who may be on his way out. As Pedro Martinez was finishing discussing his first time back in Queens since he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, Gary Sheffield was at once obfuscating and clarifying the circumstances surrounding his one-day absence from the Mets' lineup. Across the clubhouse, Billy Wagner seemed resigned that a team other than the Mets would reap the rewards of his yearlong rehabilitation from elbow surgery. The day after touching 96 miles an hour in his first major league appearance since last Aug. 2, Wagner was claimed off ..."

Red Sox officially release former Cy Young winner

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August 17

Foxsports.com

"John Smoltz has been released by the Red Sox, a major league source told FOXSports.com. The move is not a surprise, since his contract was designated for assignment on Aug. 7. Smoltz will clear unconditional release waivers on Wednesday, at which point he will be free to discuss a new contract with any team. The Dodgers, Marlins, Cardinals and Rangers have interest, sources have told FOXSports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal. Smoltz, 42, does not intend to retire and is open to joining clubs as a starter or reliever, a source told Rosenthal over the weekend. The Red Sox are now obligated to pay the remainder of the one-year, $5.5 million contract Smoltz signed in the offseason."

Sox acquire Alex Gonzalez

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August 14

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox have completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, bringing shortstop Alex Gonzalez back to Boston. Gonzalez is not expected to join the team until tomorrow in Texas. The most likely move would involve the Sox releasing infielder Chris Woodward to make room for Gonzalez on the roster. Gonzalez, as Red Sox fans will recall, is an excellent defensive player who should shore up the team's defense on the left side of the infield. His contract calls for a $6 million club option next season, meaning the Sox will have the right to retain to his services."

Smoltz refuses move to minors; two options left

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August 12

Foxsports.com

"John Smoltz's brief career with the Red Sox is over. Smoltz has refused the option of an assignment to the minor leagues, leaving the Red Sox with the option of either trading him or releasing him. A trade is possible because Smoltz has cleared waivers, and the Dodgers are among the teams showing interest. But any deal would require a significant financial component due to the incentives in Smoltz's contract. Smoltz, 42, receives about $35,000 for each day he is on the active roster and other appearance-based bonuses. He also receives a $500,000 bonus if he is on the active roster and not the disabled list on the last day of the season and a $500,000 bonus if he is traded."

Report: Smoltz clears waivers

Comment

August 11

Boston Globe

"John Smoltz, the veteran righthander who was designated for assignment Friday after eight underwhelming starts with the Red Sox, has cleared waivers, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney. Smoltz, who won 210 games and saved 154 during his stellar 20-year career with the Atlanta Braves, was just 2-5 with an 8.33 earned-run average for the Sox. He was designated for assignment after allowing nine hits and eight earned runs in 3.1 innings during the Red Sox' 13-6 loss to the Yankees Thursday night. The Red Sox have until this Sunday to release Smoltz, trade him, or send him to the minors. If he is sent to the minors, it probably would be to prepare him to work out of the bullpen in September. ..."

Red Sox Trade Rumors