Here's a look at the latest on the Red Sox following their introductory conference call for shortstop Stephen Drew..
- The Red Sox continue to work on language in Mike Napoli's deal concerning his hip issue, but they haven't gotten to whether they will alter the terms of the agreement, tweets Jim Bowden of ESPN.com. Meanwhile, the club continues to talk with free agent Adam LaRoche as a possible alternative.
- Bowden suggested five deals that would change the fortune of contending teams, including a swap for the Red Sox with the Diamondbacks. In the proposed deal, the Red Sox would acquire Justin Upton in exchange for Xander Bogaerts, Matt Barnes, and Brandon Jacobs. The deal would give Boston an outfield of Upton, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Shane Victorino and give them adequate reinforcements if Ellsbury goes elsewhere in free agency.
- The continued interest by the Red Sox in LaRoche puts pressure on the Nationals, writes James Wagner of the Washington Post. The Nationals have so far refused to go to three years for LaRoche while the Red Sox are exploring multi-year possibilities with the first baseman.
