Day 3 at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Las Vegas is almost over and for the Boston Red Sox it was another quiet day of rumors and no action.
The latest news for the Red Sox involves the chase for the services of free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett. It’s being reported that the Red Sox are no longer involved in the talks as it is now down to the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves. With the Yankees picking up C.C. Sabathia earlier in the day on Wednesday, Burnett would be another nice addition to the Yanks staff.
I’m not so sure the Red Sox were really that interested in Burnett but they did their due diligence as they should.
The biggest news of the day was that Scott Boras spoke to the media about two of his clients, Jason Varitek and Mark Teixeira, both of whom the Red Sox have high interest in. Courtesy of the Boston Globe are these snippets.
On Varitek’s interest in Boston:
I think that Tek has always been a person — he’s the captain of a team, which is a rare event. And certainly Boston has let us know we want him back. We’re talking about it. We also have to go out and look into other situations that will be able to him.
On the Sox’ interest in Varitek:
Well, I mean, look, when a major league team approaches you about a player and offers them a contract, I guess that’s serious.
So he has been offered?
Yes.
On local ties being a factor for Teixeira:
Mark’s decision is complex. There’s regional ties. Certainly family is going to be part of his consideration.
How many teams have made offers so far?
Numerous.
On what else Teixeira is considering:
Obviously, the club’s ability to win, and win long-term. Commitment by the owners, long-term, to the franchise being successful. Where they play, the city they’re in. He’s played in both leagues. He’s had an opportunity to make an analysis of what’s best for he and his family. And, of course, the economics.
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein later responded to Boras’ comments but he cited the club policy of not talking about whether or not offers had been made.The Boston Herald is reporting that Varitek has been offered a 2-year deal.
In late news, it appears the Red Sox could be close to signing Teixeira to a deal.
Earlier on Wednesday, it was learned the Red Sox have some interest in free agent pitcher John Smoltz.
Dan Roche of WBZ thinks the Red Sox need to stay away from the big name free agent pitchers.
Earlier in the day yesterday it was thought that Derek Lowe was close to signing with the Yankees. That doesn’t appear to be the case now and apparently the Red Sox are still involved.
Hopefully something gets finalized by the Red Sox with Teixeira later in the day today and we’ll have something to talk about.
