Red Sox: Brandon Workman rumored to be good as gone

The Boston Red Sox are in the midst of a poor season and have several veterans rumored to be traded. Brandon Workman could be the first domino to fall.

We all knew this time was going to come, we just didn’t know who would go first. If you had Brandon Workman in your office pool as the first Boston Red Sox player to be traded this year, you may be a winner.

The hot stove is heating up and teams are calling the Red Sox trying to gauge what it will cost to get some of those veteran players.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been in communication about Brandon Workman as they try to improve their bullpen.

Workman became the Red Sox full-time closer a year ago when he went 10-1 with 16 saves and  a 1.88 earned run average. On a bad Sox team this year he hasn’t gotten the opportunity to pitch as much in save situations, though still checks in with four.

The Phillies currently feature Hector Neris as their closer, so it is unsure if Workman would take over the role, share the job, or slot as a setup man. Currently, the Phillies are three games under .500 and not in the playoff picture, so they are feeling a sense of urgency to improve their bullpen.

We have been waiting for the Red Sox firesale to commence as they have several pieces (and contracts) they would like to see shipped. In this weird shortened season they may not be able to get as good of prospects back as they could in a normal year, though they will still be able to shed payroll.

These talks come on the heels of the Phillies making a small trade to acquire reliever David Hale, who was recently designated for assignment by the New York Yankees.

Time will tell if the Sox and Phillies can work out a deal for Workman, and possibly others, though it is certain the Red Sox are open for business.