2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Starting Pitching Search

Entering the offseason, the Boston Red Sox were known to be in the market for rotation upgrades.  The Red Sox have already been tied to several free agents starters and named in a handful of trade rumors.  Today, Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe offered several other options for the Red Sox this winter as well as updates on some of the club’s current targets.

Carfado went over each of the Red Sox offseason holes, telling readers what he thinks the club should do in order to fill their current voids.  Carfado would rather leave Alfredo Aceves in the bullpen, but this would require the club to add two starters this winter.  Though he’s been around seemingly forever, Carfado believes that the Red Sox will move on from Tim Wakefield if they are able to find a new pair of pitchers.

Carfado’s first choice would be free agent starter Roy Oswalt.  Beyond Oswalt and other free agents, Carfado names Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Joe Saunders and Francisco Liriano of the Minnesota Twins as two “interesting names that could be had on deals”.

As far as other trade options go, Carfado updated readers on the current status of two pitchers that have been tied to the Red Sox this offseason.  Carfado says that the Houston Astros are receiving “more and more inquiries” about starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez and his availability.  Carfado hears that the Red Sox are one of the teams to have checked in on the Astros veteran left-hander.

Boston’s interest in Oakland A’s lefty Gio Gonzalez has been well documented.  One of the league’s best young pitchers, Gonzalez has drawn his fair share of attention this offseason, though no one is sure of his availability.  It’s been reported that A’s general manager Billy Beane would be willing to move Gonzalez but that he would be looking for ace return.

Carfado spoke with a National League talent evaluator that said Gonzalez’s availability is “100 percent legitimate”.  The evaluator went on to say that Gonzalez would “be at the top of a lot of teams’ lists” due to his consistency, upside and age (26).

For more on the Red Sox, be sure to check out BoSox Injection.