Red Sox Rumors: Chavez, Ellsbury

The Red Sox are interested in corner infielder Eric Chavez, reports WEEI's Alex Speier.  Chavez could add balance to Boston's lineup and fit GM Ben Cherington's stated need: a versatile, left-handed hitting first baseman.  But as Speier notes, Chavez could potentially find more playing time with the Yankees.

Elsewhere in the Red Sox rumor-verse, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe says the team is open to the idea of trading Jacoby Ellsbury, playing the newly-signed Shane Victorino in center field, and signing Cody Ross or another right fielder.  Rival executives believe the Red Sox are laying the groundwork for a trade of Ellsbury for pitching, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney.