Red Sox Interested In Josh Johnson

The Red Sox' merry-go-round of interest in starting pitchers has continued to shift as news has been leaked that the Red Sox are interested in Marlins' ace Josh Johnson. Allegedly, the Red Sox sent a scout to watch Johnson against the Braves last night. Coincidentally, he put together a fantastic start-- tossing six shutout innings while striking out nine and allowing just a hit. Johnson has struggled more this season than in years past, but after an April that saw him go 0-3 with a 5.34 ERA, he's been much better. In his 91 innings since April, his ERA stands at 3.75 and he's gone 6-4. Overall on the season, his stats are respectable but not excellent at 6-7/4.14/105 in 20 starts and 119.2 innings pitched. The Red Sox have been linked to the Marlins in various rumors this season-- including the rumored mega-deal involving Carl Crawford, Hanley Ramirez, and Heath Bell and interest in Anibal Sanchez (traded yesterday to Detroit). However, the Marlins would have to be overwhelmed to deal Johnson-- who earns $13.5 million this and next year. Still, he would definitely play a part in righting the pitching woes if the Red Sox will be buyers this deadline.

It's Official: Red Sox Shopping Youkilis

There have been rumors about the potential departure of Kevin Youkilis all season; but today it became official. According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Red Sox made an official announcement informing teams that Youkilis was available. This has been in the discussion all year, but particularly since Kevin Youkilis came off the DL-- at a point when Will Middlebrooks had been playing tremendous baseball for the Red Sox. Middlebrooks is the third baseman of the future as Youkilis' presence has forced a logjam causing Adrian Gonzalez, a natural first baseman, to move to right field. Youkilis is not having the best season of his career, batting at a .250/4/12 clip this season; but he was much better in May, hitting at a .313/2/3 line through 9 games and 32 at bats. MLB Trade Rumors reports that the White Sox, Rangers, and Dodgers have expressed interest in Youkilis since the Red Sox announced he was on the trading block. If Youkilis does leave this season, and chances are he will, it's been a truly great ride. Youkilis has been one of my favorite players for the Red Sox and I'll truly miss the calls of "Yoooouuuuuuk" as he steps up to the plate.

Oswalt Rumors Circling Once Again

Just when Red Sox fans had thought that the Roy Oswalt rumors had died down, they have resurfaced once again. Yesterday, Oswalt threw a bullpen session for the Red Sox and Phillies. The acquisition of Oswalt would certainly help the Red Sox as it's no secret that their starting pitching has not been brilliant-- their pitching staff has a 4.68 ERA, 28th in baseball. Oswalt went 9-10/3.69/93 in 23 starts for the Phillies last year and the righty allegedly has several good offers on the table. Oswalt is 34 years old and his age throws one more variable into the equation. When will he be good to go? Andy Pettitte, who signed with the Yankees over a month ago took about a month and a half to ready up. Now, Pettitte is 39, but it would still probably take Oswalt a solid month to return. In a month, who knows if there will even be room for him. Daisuke Matsuzaka will have returned by then, and barring any more injuries-- the Red Sox would have to take somebody from the rotation (probably Daniel Bard). I agree that the Red Sox need pitching help, but I don't think Oswalt is the way to go.

Could The Red Sox Acquire Marlon Byrd?

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Red Sox are close to a trade with the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Marlon Byrd. The Red Sox have had some trouble in the outfield ever since Jacoby Ellsbury went down with a dislocated shoulder. Byrd would provide an adequate replacement for Ellsbury in the month or so until he returns, then could serve as a backup outfielder for the remainder of the time. Byrd is off to a slow start this year-- batting at just .070/0/2 in 43 at bats to start the year. However, in his career, he's been a solid player. In 119 games last season, Byrd hit .276/9/35 and the year before that was even better at .293/12/66 in 152 games with the Cubs. Byrd is not outrageously expensive at just $6.5 million for this year-- the last on his three year deal. Apparently the Cubs have been actively trying to trade Byrd for a while and the Red Sox have finally come as a suitor. If the Sox got Byrd, hopefully he could keep center field warm for Jacoby.

Mike Aviles To The Phillies? Say It Ain't So

There has been a rumor circulating around the web that Mike Aviles is likely to be traded to the Phillies. This would continue in the Sox' spree of trading shortstop candidates-- first Jed Lowrie to the Astros, then Marco Scutaro to the Rockies, and potentially Mike Aviles to the Phillies. After a hot start to this spring, Aviles is cooled off and is now hitting at a .226/.226/.355 clip with no homers, two doubles, and three RBIs. If Aviles was traded-- Nick Punto and Jose Iglesias would be the primary candidates to become the starting shortstop. This spring, Punto is batting .267/.421/.400 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs. Iglesias, meanwhile, has wowed fans and front office members alike as he has shown his trademark defense plus an improved hitting composure-- he is batting at .231/.286/.385 with a triple and four RBIs. Since Iglesias is the shortstop of the future at 22 years old, he would likely get the chance to start there and try to impress everybody. Even with Iglesias waiting in the wings, I hope Aviles is not traded-- save it for midseason if Iglesias is impressing.

Red Sox In The Mix For Edwin Jackson

For a little while now, we've known that the Red Sox have been interested in Edwin Jackson. However, only today was it announced that they have offered him a contract-- reportedly in the $5-6 million range. Now, this is probably less than Jackson would take as he is a solid pitcher who put together a 12-9/3.79/148 season in 2011. Jackson had the best season of his career in 2011, by both a standard and peripheral stat standpoint as a 3.55 FIP and 3.73 xFIP accompanied his 3.79 ERA. His strikeout rate of 6.67 was right alongside his career average and his 2.79 BB/9 was the best of his career. Jackson actually pitched in the AL East from 2006-2008, his best season coming in '08 when he went 14-11/4.42/108, so we can't expect a 3.79 ERA again if he comes to the Red Sox. However, a 4.20 ERA could go a long way toward a division or World Series title for the Red Sox.

Red Sox, Rockies Talking Marco Scutaro

Earlier today, the Red Sox and Rockies were reported to be talking about trade possibilities for Marco Scutaro. Scutaro had a great season in his second year with the Sox in 2011, going .299/7/54. However, the 36 year old shortstop has only gone .270/10/59 in his 162-game average. Trading Scutaro would leave no real shortstop heading into the season with the best free agent shortstops available being Miguel Tejada, Ryan Theriot, and Edgar Renteria. I have no idea who the Rockies would have traded the Red Sox but a few realistic options for Scutaro would probably be a major league pitcher or two. However, the Rockies don't have very solid pitching and they'd be unwilling to trade Jhoulys Chacin (11-14/3.62/150 in 2011) for as little as Scutaro. Maybe Jorge De La Rosa? Point is, I don't know, and I don't see these talks going anywhere.

Red Sox Offer Varitek A Minor League Deal

Today, it was reported that the Red Sox have offered a minor league deal with an invite to spring training to Jason Varitek. Varitek is the team captain and has played for the Red Sox his entire career (1997-2011). His 162-game average for his who career has been .256/20/79, however, he has definitely tailed off from those prestigious numbers in recent years. In 2011, Varitek batted just .221/11/36 as the backup catcher fro the 2nd straight year. Varitek's last solid season came in 2007, when he batted at .255/17/68. While Varitek's game-calling skills behind the plate haven't deteriorated at all, his skills behind the plate have diminished. In 2011, he threw out just .14% of batters, as opposed to 31% by Jarrod Saltalamacchia and a league-leading 41% by Kelly Shoppach. Varitek would likely be slated at #4 on the depth chart for catchers, behind Salty, Shoppach, and Ryan Lavarnway. If I were Varitek, I'd accept the fact that his distinguished career is over and retire.

Red Sox Interested In Vicente Padilla

Just days after signing low-profile free agent pitchers such as Carlos Silva, Aaron Cook, and Justin Germano-- the Red Sox are on that path again, as they are interested in free agent Vicente Padilla. In 2011, Padilla suffered a forearm and neck injury and missed quite a bit of time. However, when he was healthy, he pitched mostly out of relief for the first time since 2001 with the Phillies. In 9 games of relief with the Dodgers, he went 0-0/4.15/9, picking up 3 saves. You'd have to go back to 2009 to find Padilla's last predominantly healthy season. In a season split between the Rangers and Dodgers, he went 12-6/4.46/97 in 26 games (25 starts). His career pitching line is 4.31/4.43/4.39 as he has been a solid, average major league starter. If the 34 year old Padilla can stay healthy in 2012, he would be a solid addition as a possible #5 starter.

Red Sox Still Interested In Ryan Madson

Apparently, and I don't know why, the Red Sox are still interested in free agent closer Ryan Madson. After the Red Sox acquired Andrew Bailey, I figured they'd probably be done shopping for expensive relievers. However, reports have surfaced that the Red Sox (along with many other teams) could be interested in Madson if his price drops. That price would have to drop quite  a bit for me to be content-- earlier this offseason, he and the Phillies had seemingly agreed on a 4 yr/$44 million contract before the Phillies signed Papelbon. Madson had a good year in 2011, going 4-2/2.37/62 in 62 games and 60.2 innings. His FIP was 2.25 and his xFIP was 2.95, as he was very good in his first year as the full time closer. He also saved 32 games to go with his 9.20 K/9 and 2.37 BB/9. Madson is very, very good-- and that is why he is such a commodity. I'd prefer if the Red Sox spent the $10 million or so it would take to sign Madson on starters.

Red Sox Interested In Paul Maholm

Reports have surfaced that the Red Sox are interested in free agent lefty Paul Maholm. Maholm had a great year in 2011 for the Pirates, going 6-14/3.66/97 in an excellent year. He also put up a 3.78 FIP and 4.03 xFIP with 5.38 K/9 and 2.77 BB/9. Maholm is effectively the opposite of a power pitcher: he doesn't strike out too many people, doesn't walk too many people, his fastball only sits around 87 mph on average. However, he gets people out on a great ground ball ratio of 49.9%, and only allowed 0.61 HR/9 in 2011. Maholm has also been mentioned by several other teams, including the Mariners, Cubs, Orioles, Padres and Pirates. After a good year like the one he had in 2011, Maholm would likely be in the range of something like a 2 year deal averaging $8-10 million a year. Something like a 2 yr/$17 million contract could probably secure Maholm as the Red Sox' #4 starter for a couple of years.

Red Sox Jonesing For Andruw

Some reports have indicated that the Red Sox could be interested in free agent outfielder Andruw Jones. Last year, Jones was the 4th outfielder for the Yankees and did a pretty good job of it, going .247/13/33 in 77 games and 190 at bats. He also reached base at a very good .356 clip, fitting him with the Red Sox' patient approach. However, Jones is 34 years old and this has been his first solid year since 2006 with the Braves. From 1998-2006 with the Braves, Jones was one of the best players in baseball and over his career, his 162 game average is a very good .256/32/97. Jones also has a decent glove for a corner outfielder and could relieve Josh Reddick (or a newcomer) and Carl Crawford fairly well. He is considerably better than the 4th outfielder the Sox currently have, in Darnell McDonald, who went .236/6/24 in 79 games and 159 at bats last year. If the Sox could land Jones on something like a 1 year/$4 million contract, I'd be impressed.

Red Sox In Talks With Francisco Cordero

Allegedly, the Red Sox are looking to keep improving their bullpen and are interested in free agent closer Francisco Cordero. Apparently, the Red Sox had been interested in him earlier in the offseason and talks have picked back up. Cordero had an excellent season as the Reds' closer in 2011, going 5-3/2.45/42 in 68 games and 69 2/3 innings-- also saving 37/43 opportunities. However, his season may have had a bit of luck involved with a 4.02 FIP and 4.14 xFIP. His strikeout rates also dropped by almost 2 per nine innings. However, his walk rates also dropped over 1.5 per nine innings-- balancing things nicely. Even if his ERA and other great stats return to his career averages, he would still be a great option for the Red Sox closer. He averages a 3.17 ERA, 3.51 FIP, and 3.72 xFIP over his career. I would definitely support this move for the Sox to go out and get a proven closer like Cordero.

Red Sox Potentially Interested in Joakim Soria

A report has surfaced that the Red Sox have called on the Royals about the possibility of trading for Royals closer Joakim Soria. Soria had his worst season in 2011, going 5-5/4.03/60 in 60 games and 60 1/3 innings, also saving 28/35 chances. However, his career stats are much better-- as his 162-game average is 3-3/2.40/78 in 68 games and 72 innings. However, apparently the Royals asked for too much in return and the Red Sox rejected the potential deal. I'd feel the same way, as after trading for Melancon, the Red Sox don't need to spend a whole lot of talent on developing the back end of their bullpen. On the contrary, however, having Soria, Melancon, and potentially Bard would make a very formidable bullpen. I think the Sox should wait the Royals out to see if they can get a better deal. If they cannot, they should just nix it. I'd be happy if the Sox got Soria, but not for a huge price.

Why The Red Sox Should NOT Acquire Hanley Ramirez

Since the Marlins signed Jose Reyes this winter; they have decided that Hanley Ramirez will need to move to third base. Now, Ramirez has not been terribly happy with this move and, apparently, has requested a trade. Multiple trade rumors have surfaced and one of those is that the Red Sox have checked in on him. While Ramirez is a great player, and I am not questioning that, I have multiple reasons why he should not come back to Boston. The first and foremost of those reasons is that we do not need Hanley Ramirez. Why trade for a shortstop when your returning shortstop hit .299/7/54 last season? Plus, Ramirez is coming off his worst season in which he hit .243/10/45. That is another one of my reasons, he is coming off of his worst season. I consider him too good of a player to fall off like that (his 162 game average is .306/25/83), and I think it was mostly luck-- but still. Also, he would be extremely expensive. If the Red Sox would be using the type of prospects to acquire Ramirez, trade for Gio Gonzalez. Why trade several great prospects for a player you don't need who is coming off his worst year? Read this and mark my words, Ben Cherington-- don't acquire Hanley Ramirez.

Red Sox Interested In D-Backs' Lefty Joe Saunders

Yesterday afternoon, the Diamondbacks made it clear that lefty Joe Saunders was on the trading block. Many teams are reportedly interested, and those teams include the Red Sox. Saunders enjoyed the second best season of his career in 2011, going 12-13/3.69/108 for the division leading D-Backs. While Saunders is not the greatest pitcher available, he has many qualities that I like. One of those is that he is a workhorse-- he has pitched 200 innings twice in the last 3 years. Another is that he is a winner, he posted 33 wins over 2008-2009, with 17 in '08 and 16 in '09. While wins and losses are not the most meaningful statistics, it does say a little bit about the pitcher, and I do like it when guys have lots of wins. Saunders would fit in nicely behind Clay Buchholz and in front of.... Miller, Aceves, Bard, Weiland? It would probably take one high tier prospect or two mid-tier guys. A package like Bryce Brentz OR something like Kolbrin Vitek and Oscar Tejeda. I'd be quite happy if the Sox could land Saunders.

Red Sox, A's To Discuss Andrew Bailey

Since Jonathan Papelbon has left, the Red Sox do have a vacancy at the closer position. They have yet to be really aggressive (that we know of) at acquiring a closer. However, some reports have surfaced that the Red Sox will meet with the A's regarding trade possibilities for closer Andrew Bailey. Bailey had his third straight solid year as the A's closer, going 0-4/3.24/41 as well as racking up 24 saves in 26 chances. While his ERA of 3.24 was higher than his stellar marks of 1.47 and 1.84 in 2010 and 2009, respectively, don't be alarmed. His FIP (a more advanced and accurate statistic regarding pitchers) was pretty much on line with the rest of his seasons as he put up FIP's of 2.56, 2.96, and 2.86 in 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. Bailey would be a proven closer that could fill in for Papelbon while Daniel Bard stayed right where he was, or converted to a starter. I would be happy if the Red Sox traded for Bailey, but we can't give up too much because we do have a potential closer in the wings.

Red Sox Interested in Hiroki Kuroda

Like just about every other decent starting pitcher remotely available, the Red Sox have shown interest in Hiroki Kuroda. And why not? Kuroda had a fantastic year with the Dodgers in 2011, going 13-16/3.07/161 in his best season in MLB. The other day, the Dodgers signed Chris Capuano to effectively replace Kuroda in the Dodgers' rotation. This means that his suitors are down to the Red Sox, Yankees, Nationals, Angels, and Diamondbacks. Earlier this year (at the trade deadline), Kuroda said he did not want to move to the east. However, since the Dodgers don't necessarily want him back, he has changed his views. He is 37 years old, so he is in no position to demand a long, luxurious contract. He could probably ask for about 2 years/$20 million. I would be all for Kuroda signing with the Sox; I think it would be a move that would definitely make us one of the best teams in baseball.

Red Sox Interested in Joel Zumaya

Apparently, the Red Sox have expressed interest in free agent reliever Joel Zumaya. Zumaya missed the entire 2011 season after undergoing surgery on his right elbow in May. He also missed much of his 2010 season after hurting his elbow in June. However, before his injuries, he was a very effective reliever for the Tigers. In 2010, he had a pretty good year, going 2-1/2.58/34 in 31 games and 38 2/3 innings. In his best year, his rookie year of 2006, Zumaya was stellar, going 6-3/1.94/97 in 62 games and 83 innings. One of the reasons Zumaya is so effective is because he is a fireballer. And when I say "fireballer," I mean faster than Bard (who reaches the high 90's easily). Zumaya has thrown the most pitches over 100 mph in MLB history and holds the unofficial record with a 104 mph fastball. Zumaya would accompany Bard as fireballers in the bullpen and give the Sox a very solid setup corps. I would be for this move, as he'd likely come cheap, but would be great if healthy.

Red Sox Show Interest In Broxton

Update: Nevermind, he signed with the Royals.

Reports have surfaced that the Red Sox may be looking into possibilities for free agent closer Jonathan Broxton. Broxton will likely come for a cheap price, as he was injured and ineffective for much of 2011. He finished 1-2/5.68/10, saving 7/8 chances in 12 games and 10 innings. The fireballer had surgery on his throwing elbow in 2011, but if healthy would likely be a good pitcher. He has shown that he can be effective consistently after going 5-6/4.04/73 and saving 22/29 chances in 64 games. In 2009, he was even better, going 7-2/2.61/114 and saving 36/42 chances in 73 games. I would certainly not mind signing Broxton for bullpen depth, but he looks a lot like Bobby Jenks to me and I would not trust him in the closer role. Like Jenks, he is a closer who has been injured and declined over the past few years. He would probably be available to a 1 year/$2.5 million contract. As I said, I would like Broxton to compete for a bullpen job, but nothing more.