Red Sox Rumors: John Maine, Edwin Jackson and Gavin Floyd
By Editorial Staff
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.
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.
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