It looks as if the Roy Oswalt situation is nearing its end, and at this point it doesn’t appear that the veteran will be calling Fenway Park home in 2012. The Red Sox were able to add a starting pitcher to their mix of arms yesterday, though it was as high-profile a name as some fans want. Boston also continues to monitor the market for Edwin Jackson and could turn to trade if things fall through with their number one free agent target.
Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com reports that Oswalt is the Red Sox “No. 1 target” this winter. It now appears that he Cardinals will sign the right-hander, and if that happens Edes hears the Red Sox will turn their attention to the trade market.
Rather than pursue free agent starter Edwin Jackson, who Edes calls a “long-shot option” to sign in Boston, the Red Sox would explore a trade with the White Sox for right-hander Gavin Floyd.
Aug 21, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Gavin Floyd throws a pitch during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at US Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE
The White Sox are looking toward the future this winter, and general manager Kenny Williams has even used the word ‘rebuilding’. Though the club locked up young starter John Danks, Chicago has reportedly continued shopping Floyd this offseason.
Though not named Oswalt or Jackson, the Red Sox did sign a starting pitcher yesterday. Boston reached a minor league agreement with former Mets right-hander John Maine. The 30-year-old won 15 games in 2007 but hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2010. Maine carries with him a career ERA and WHIP of 4.35 and 1.339 over his seven seasons in the bigs.
Finally, we had another Bobby Valentine sighting yesterday. The enigmatic skipper told Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com that he’s satisfied with his current rotation, adding that another starting pitcher is not at the top of his wish list.
Dec 1, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine answers questions during a press conference at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Justin Neohoff-US PRESSWIRE
For more on the Red Sox, be sure to check out BoSox Injection.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.
Tags: Bobby Valentine, Boston Red Sox, Edwin Jackson, Gavin Floyd, John Danks, John Maine, Roy Oswalt
Blaine joined the crew in April of 2011. He covers current news and notes from around the baseball world for Call to the Pen.
You can reach Blaine at 
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[...] Red Sox would likely only join the mix if Jackson were considering an offer of a single year. While most figured [...]