It's no secret that the Red Sox are in need of bullpen help, but there's not much out there on the trade market. They're keeping an eye on Brewers relievers John Axford, Francisco Rodriguez, and Mike Gonzalez but there are plenty of other clubs, including the Orioles and Tigers, who have the same idea. Here's the latest out of Boston..
- The Red Sox could also use a boost in the starting rotation, but sources tell Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that they do not feel desperate enough to pay the necessary price to land Matt Garza from the Cubs. Major league sources say Boston ranks its trade deadline needs in the following order: bullpen help, stopgap players for the left side of its infield, and starting pitching.
- Some have suggested that the Red Sox should look into bringing Jonathan Papelbon back to Boston, but John Tomase of the Boston Herald doesn't see the Phillies closer solving their problems. History is littered with teams that have made regrettable trades for relievers, and the Red Sox are no strangers to that phenomenon. Beyond the cost of prospects, money needs to be taken into consideration as well. Papelbon is still owed $26MM over the next two years, with an attainable 2016 vesting option worth another $13MM.
- Alex Speier of WEEI.com spoke with Red Sox reliever Craig Breslow, who had some very interesting thoughts on the way that left-handed relievers are valued.
