MLB BUZZ's posts tagged Boston Red Sox

See all posts tagged with Boston Red Sox »

• Why Morse makes sense for Boston

  January 11, 2013 by KenRosenthal

  Adam LaRoche was one thing — the Boston Red Sox didn’t want to sign him to a three-year free-agent contract and forfeit their second-round draft pick as compensation.

  But, as the Red Sox enter Day 40 of their standoff with free-agent catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli, why wouldn’t they want to trade for the Washington Nationals’ Mike Morse?

  The Sox, sources say, are one of the clubs in contact with the Nationals about Morse, who became expendable this week when the Nats re-signed LaRoche to a two-year, $24 million deal.

  While the Sox’s public position is that they continue to talk with Napoli, they can back off him the moment they add another first baseman. They are not obligated to Napoli because they have yet to finalize his three-year, $39 million agreement.

  Morse, 30, would require less of a financial commitment than Napoli, 31 – he is under contract for $7 million next season before becoming eligible for free agency. He is resistant to becoming a DH, sources say, but that would not be a problem for the Sox, who would use him at first and David Ortiz as their full-time DH.

  To get Morse, the Sox would need to part with young talent and possibly a left-handed reliever — perhaps a high price for a player who only once in his career has appeared in more than 102 games in a season. Then again, the payoff would include keeping Morse away from two interested division rivals — the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.

  The prospect of losing Napoli, on the other hand, would not be nearly as daunting to the Red Sox. Napoli remains a free agent, and no other club appears to have made a serious effort to sign him after Sox medical personnel detected an issue with one of his hips in his physical, according to sources.

  The Sox, sources say, want to restructure Napoli’s deal with protective language. The four-year, $40 million free-agent contract that the Detroit Tigers awarded catcher Ivan Rodriguez in 2004 could serve as one model.

  Rodriguez’s deal stated that if he was on the disabled list for 35 or more days in ’04 or ’05 because of his lower spine, the Tigers could void the rest of the contract by paying him a $5 million buyout. The same provision also existed in ’06, but with a $4 million buyout.

  The Sox likely want to rework Napoli’s deal so that if a significant problem arose with his hip, they could escape with something less than a three-year guarantee.

  As it turned out, Rodriguez completed his contract with the Tigers without once going on the DL for any condition, and the team even exercised his $13 million option for ’08.

  The Sox obviously would hope for a similar outcome with Napoli. But it might be less of a risk to just trade for Morse.

  — Ken Rosenthal

  10 Comments
• Five teams could have interest in Swisher

  December 05, 2012 by KenRosenthal

  Five teams have interest, or potential interest, in free-agent Nick Swisher, according to major-league sources.

  Those teams are the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants

  The Red Sox would have to move center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury before making a deal for Swisher. The Giants could pursue Swisher if they decide to spend on the left fielder after committing combined a $78 million to retain pitcher Jeremy Affeldt, outfielder Angel Pagan and second baseman Marco Scutaro. However, the Giants more likely to go with Gregor Blanco and a platoon partner in left.

  Swisher is a switch-hitter who can play first base or outfield; his versatility adds to his appeal.

  The Indians made a $44 million, four-year offer to Shane Victorino, before the OF made a deal Tuesday with the Red Sox.

  — Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi

  0 Comments
• An early look at the Jarrod Saltalamacchia market

  November 10, 2012 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Boston Red Sox weren’t expected to sign a catcher this offseason but reached agreement Saturday on a two-year, $6.2 million contract with David Ross, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com.

  Now that they’ve done it, the logic is apparent: The Red Sox can trade their most experienced (and most expensive) catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, possibly to obtain the first baseman they covet.

  In fact, an official with another club said Saturday that the Red Sox are willing to consider offers for Saltalamacchia, who hit a career-high 25 home runs last season but batted only .222 in part because of a high strikeout rate. If Boston general manager Ben Cherington trades Saltalamacchia, the Red Sox will use a combination of Ross and 25-year-old Ryan Lavarnway behind the plate.

  The signing of Ross was a savvy move at a time when free-agent catchers are in short supply, particularly relative to the number of clubs looking to upgrade at the position. In Saltalamacchia, the Red Sox now have a highly-marketable trade chip. The Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros are known to be in the catching marketplace. (Of course, it’s doubtful the Red Sox would send Saltalamacchia to a division rival like the Yankees or Rays.)

  The Chicago Cubs, led by the executive (Theo Epstein) who brought Saltalamacchia to Boston, are looking for a long-term catcher. But it is not clear if they have interest in a veteran like Saltalamacchia, given how early they are in a lengthy rebuild.

  The Red Sox have incentive to look for a first baseman via trade, because options via free agency are limited after Adam LaRoche. Or if they trade Saltalamacchia, the Red Sox could sign Mike Napoli — who is primarily a catcher — with the idea that he would play a lot of games at first base.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

  3 Comments
• Assorted notes from the GM meetings

  November 08, 2012 by KenRosenthal

  INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Assorted notes from the baseball general managers' meetings:

  • I already can hear the New York Mets’ spin on right-hander R.A. Dickey now — the tried and true “Greedy Ballplayer” theory.

  Dickey, the Mets will say, wanted too much in a contract extension, so the team traded him rather than get suckered into a bad deal.

  Such a portrayal simply would not be accurate.

  The Mets, sources say, have shown little actual interest in negotiating with Dickey, who is under contract for next season at $5 million.

  Instead, they’re discussing him in trades at the GM meetings. If they get the right deal, they will just move on.

  Trading Dickey, 38, probably is the right thing for the Mets to do, considering all of their holes. But the Mets intend to pin this on Dickey, they first need to make him a substantial offer.

  That, sources say, has not happened.

  • The Yankees are out of the Justin Upton sweepstakes, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Even if they wanted to be “in,” they would lack the necessary talent to entice the Diamondbacks in a trade.

  Several rival executives view the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays as the teams most interested in Upton, but the Rays would need free-agent center fielder B.J. Upton to reject their qualifying offer before they make any move — they could not afford the salaries of both Uptons. B.J., though, is attracting strong interest, and almost certainly will reject the Rays’ offer by Friday’s deadline.

  One executive suggests the Detroit Tigers as a possible darkhorse for Justin Upton. The Diamondbacks want a shortstop or a third baseman, and the Tigers could offer third-base prospect Nick Castellanos and a combination of other players, including right fielder Avisail Garcia and pitchers Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly.

  I am not suggesting that the Tigers would trade any or all of those players for Justin Upton; it’s just one exec’s speculation. But the Tigers at least have the players to make such a deal happen, and Dave Dombrowski is one of the game’s boldest, most aggressive GMs.

  The Atlanta Braves, by the way, do not appear serious about a pursuit of Justin Upton.

  • The Red Sox are disinclined to trade Jacoby Ellsbury for two reasons: His value is down, and the team is intent on contending next season under new manager John Farrell.

  Ellsbury figures to be highly motivated in his free-agent year, and the Red Sox recognize that they probably cannot trade him and become a better team.

  Jackie Bradley Jr., the Red Sox’s center fielder of the future, is ready for the majors defensively but not offensively. Some club officials believe that he might be best served by a full year in the minors.

  Boston’s Ben Cherington is one of those GMs who will listen on any player, but the chances of the Sox moving Ellbury appear slim.

  • Free-agent right-hander Brett Myers is telling teams that he wants to be a starter first, a closer second, and a setup man third.

  Myers, 32, started last season as a closer with the Houston Astros because of the team’s need, then remained a reliever after getting traded to the Chicago White Sox.

  However, he pitched a combined 439-2/3 innings as a starter for the Astros in 2010 and ’11, and previously shifted from the bullpen to the rotation with the Phillies in 2008.

  • Right-hander Jon Garland, who sat out all of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery in July 2011, intends to make a comeback next season.

  Garland, 33, threw for 10 to 15 teams in September but decided not to return at that time. He figures to sign with a club in late January.

  — Ken Rosenthal

  3 Comments
• Sources: Red Sox interested in Masterson, Choo

  November 08, 2012 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Boston Red Sox have expressed interest in acquiring right-handed starter Justin Masterson and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo from the Cleveland Indians, major-league sources said.

  It’s not clear how advanced the talks are, but the fit is obvious: The Red Sox have the ability to take on payroll after unloading roughly $250 million in contracts three months ago, and the Indians are willing to listen to offers for virtually every player on their roster.

  Boston’s farm system has strengthened over the past 12 months, partially because of prospects obtained from the Dodgers in the August blockbuster. Thus, the Red Sox can afford to move the necessary minor leaguers to bring back Masterson, Choo, or both.

  An intriguing dynamic could develop if the Masterson talks intensify: He broke into the majors with the Red Sox in 2008, when Terry Francona was the Boston manager and John Farrell the Boston pitching coach. Last month, Francona was hired to manage the Indians while Farrell became the new skipper in Boston. Both are said to admire Masterson. If Farrell pushes for the Red Sox to acquire him, Francona might try just as hard to keep him in Cleveland.

  Choo, meanwhile, would add immediate punch to a Boston outfield that presently includes center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and a collection of platoon players. The Red Sox would be more enthused about Choo if he had more than one year left before free agency, but their newfound payroll flexibility could make it more feasible to keep him after 2013.

  Choo, like Ellsbury, is represented by influential agent Scott Boras. Ellsbury also is headed for free agency after the coming season.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

  0 Comments
• Source: Josh Hamilton, Cody Ross on Orioles’ list

  November 07, 2012 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Baltimore Orioles aren’t content with being one of baseball’s most surprising stories of 2012. This winter, they plan to pursue the biggest free-agent hitter: Josh Hamilton.

  Hamilton is on the Orioles’ list of targets for left field, according to a source with knowledge of the organization’s plans. Hamilton has started more games in left field than center over the past three seasons, and the Orioles have an opening there now that Nate McLouth has become a free agent.

  Baltimore also has some interest in free-agent outfielder Cody Ross, the source said. Ross would be a cheaper option than Hamilton and had success in the American League East with the Boston Red Sox this year.

  The Orioles wouldn’t need Hamilton to play center field, as Adam Jones is coming off a season in which he won a Gold Glove while starting 161 games there. Baltimore’s internal options to play left field include Nolan Reimold, Xavier Avery and L.J. Hoes. Reimold, this year’s Opening Day left fielder, is the most experienced of the group, but he played only 16 games before undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck. So it appears likely the Orioles will add a left fielder this offseason, one way or the other.

  Statistically, the 31-year-old Hamilton is top position player available on the open market. Over the past three years with the Texas Rangers, he has averaged a .952 OPS, 33 home runs and 107 RBI. But questions persist about his long-term durability, given his injury history and struggles with addiction. In the past, Orioles owner Peter Angelos has emphasized the importance of clean medical records and personal conduct before acquiring players.

  John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus reported recently that Hamilton’s asking price is seven years and $175 million. The Orioles might have difficulty signing Hamilton if the bidding reaches that neighborhood. This year, the team’s Opening Day payroll was between $80 million and $85 million.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

  2 Comments
• Dipoto: Angels likely are done

  July 29, 2012 by KenRosenthal

   

  The Los Angeles Angels made their big move Friday, acquiring right-hander Zack Greinke from the Milwaukee Brewers for shortstop Jean Segura and two minor-league pitchers.

  At the time, the team also was exploring the trade market for relievers, according to major-league sources. But general manager Jerry Dipoto acknowledged Sunday that the Angels likely would make no further moves before Tuesday’s non-waiver deadline at 4 p.m. ET.

  “That’s pretty accurate,” Dipoto said. “If we’re to do anything else, it would come under the guise of ‘creative.’ We don’t want to dig any deeper into our system. That (the trade with the Brewers) was a painful give.

  “I’ve had discussions internally and with other GMs about this. We have a 25-man roster we like. Anybody else we bring on will cost us somebody. (Beyond) the player-acquisition cost, we would have to move someone off the 25-man roster. There is not a lot of room to do that without losing someone who plays a key role on the club.”

  The Angels are down to one left-handed reliever, Scott Downs, after sending Hisanori Takahashi to the minors on Saturday. But Dipoto said he is comfortable with his bullpen, which currently is without right-hander Jordan Walden (strained right biceps) but has benefited from the revival of righty Kevin Jepsen, who has pitched 9 1/3 scoreless innings since returning from the minors.

  “It’s a good group,” Dipoto said. “We’ve got power arms, uniqueness, deception, a lefty, a nice mix. There aren’t a lot of names you would necessarily see on the cover of Sports Illustrated. But they’re pretty good.”

  Greinke, 28, has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and Dipoto said the pitcher has been a favorite of his since 2003, when Dipoto began his front-office career as a scout with the Boston Red Sox.

  “I saw him in the Carolina League when he was 19 years old, and I’ve been fascinated ever since,” Dipoto said.

  “I said the other day that I’ve been waiting for this for 10 years. He’s got great feel that I just don’t think many people are born with. And he has had it since the first time I saw him.”

  -Ken Rosenthal

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  0 Comments
• Royals sending mixed signals on Francoeur

  June 23, 2012 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Kansas City Royals' willingness to trade Jeff Francoeur has waxed and waned in recent weeks, according to major league sources.

  "Back and forth, every other week," said an official with another club.

  Francoeur's status will be of particular interest once the Boston Red Sox trade Kevin Youkilis. Four teams — the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers — were known to have interest in Youkilis as of Saturday. Clubs in need of right-handed hitting could turn to Francoeur after Youkilis is off the board.

  It might be difficult for the Royals to move Francoeur in the immediate future, because they opened Saturday only 5-1/2 games out in the American League Central. But the apparent readiness of stud hitting prospect Wil Myers could push Francoeur to the trading block closer to the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline.

  Francoeur is an elite defender in right field and has World Series experience, having joined the Texas Rangers before their 2010 postseason run. He's known for leadership and an ability to hit left-handed pitching.

  Francoeur is more available than Royals designated hitter Billy Butler, who is on a longer-term contract. One source said Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore would need to receive a "(Zack) Greinke-type" offer in order to move Butler.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

  0 Comments
• MLB source: Red Sox acquire Podsednik from Phillies

  May 11, 2012 by FOXSports

  The Boston Red Sox, increasing their outfield depth, acquired outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Phillies on Friday night, according to a major-league source.

  Podsednik, 36, was at Triple A with the Phillies and will report to Triple A with the Red Sox. He can opt out of his minor-league contract on June 1 if he is not in the majors.

  The Red Sox are without injured outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford, and on Thursday recalled outfielder Daniel Nava from Triple A.

  Podsednik was batting only .203/.289/.216 for the Phillies' Lehigh Valley affiliate.

  — Ken Rosenthal

   

  0 Comments
• Source: Hearing increasingly likely for Ortiz, Red Sox

  January 31, 2012 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Boston Red Sox and David Ortiz remain far apart in talks about his 2012 contract, making a salary arbitration hearing increasingly likely, one major-league source told FOXSports.com.

  The sides have made little recent progress in negotiations, the source indicated, setting up what could be an uncomfortable hearing for the 36-year-old.

  Ortiz has been one of the most popular and productive Red Sox since joining the organization before the 2003 season. In a hearing – which has been tentatively scheduled for mid-February – he would listen to Red Sox representatives argue why he deserves a $12.65 million salary, rather than the $16.5 million he has requested.

  For now, the sides are allowed to settle at a number between those figures. But once a hearing begins, the arbitrator is obligated to choose one number or the other. The stakes are very high for the Red Sox; if they lose a hearing, they will have $4 million less to spend on upgrading their pitching staff.

  Ortiz was the most productive fulltime designated hitter in the American League last year. He amassed a .953 OPS, making it his best season since 2007, when he finished fourth in the American League MVP voting.

  -- Jon Paul Morosi

  0 Comments
• Notes from around the majors

  January 25, 2012 by KenRosenthal

  • The recent four-player Yankees-Mariners trade likely will be debated for years.

  One good sign for the Mariners: Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers, who worked for the Yankees in 2010, is a fan of right-hander Hector Noesi, who went to the Mariners with catcher Jesus Montero for righty Michael Pineda and minor-league righty Jose Campos.

  Towers, renowned for his pitching expertise, asked for Noesi as part of a trade package when he spoke with the Yankees about outfielder Justin Upton after the ’10 season, according to a rival executive.

  • The obvious benefit of the Nationals’ failure to sign free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder is that it allows the team to retain positional flexibility, particularly in center field.

  A long-term deal for Fielder eventually might have forced the Nats to use an outfield of Michael Morse in left, Jayson Werth in center and Bryce Harper in right. Without Fielder, they can move Morse to first after Adam LaRoche plays out his contract this season and pursue a legitimate center fielder.

  Michael Bourn, Shane Victorino and B.J. Upton are eligible for free agency next offseason, and the Nats also are high on three of their center-field prospects – Brian Goodwin, Michael Taylor and Eury Perez.

  None, though, has yet to play above Class A.

  Goodwin, the 34th overall pick in last year’s draft, is the team’s fifth-ranked prospect, according to Baseball America. Taylor, who draws comparisons to Mike Cameron, took perhaps the biggest jump of any player in the system last season. Perez is a speedster with offensive potential.

  • As I reported on Twitter earlier this week, the Cubs, Marlins and Tigers are the three clubs scouting Cuban outfielder Yoennis Cespedes most closely in the Dominican.

  Cespedes finally hit the open market Wednesday. The bidding for him is certain to be intense, if for no other reason than the new spending limits on international amateur talent will limit clubs in most foreign markets. (Cuban defectors and Asian players who are older than 23 and have more than five years professional experience will not be subject to the restrictions.)

  Starting with the 2012-13 signing season, each club will be allocated a signing-bonus pool. The pools will be equal in 2012-13, then will vary based on reverse order of winning percentage thereafter. Clubs that exceed their respective limits will be subject to penalties.

  • Remember Kosuke Fukudome?

  He remains a free agent, and the Brewers showed interest in him before paying a combined $4.75 million for Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoiki — a $2.5 million posting fee and a two-year, $2.25 million contract.

  Fukudome, who had a combined .712 OPS last season for the Cubs and Indians, wants to remain in the majors, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking. Some executives, however, believe he may end up back in Japan.

  • Speaking of Japanese players, Rangers right-hander Koji Uehara had such a positive experience in Baltimore, he recommended the Orioles to the two free-agent lefties the team signed out of the Japanese league, Tsuyoshi Wada and Wei-Yin Chen, according to a major-league source.

  Uehara invoked his limited no-trade protection to reject a deal to the Blue Jays this week, sources say, prompting the Jays to sign free-agent righty Francisco Cordero to a one-year, $4.5 million contract.

  A trade back to the Orioles is a possibility.

  • The Red Sox are talking to free-agent right-hander Edwin Jackson, who could be open to a one-year deal.

  Two years ago, agent Scott Boras negotiated such a “pillow” contract with the Red Sox for another of his clients, third baseman Adrian Beltre.

  One executive, however, points out that the AL East offers no such soft landing for a starting pitcher. If Jackson signs for one year, he might be better off in the NL, where he could produce better numbers before going back into the open market.

  — Ken Rosenthal

   

  0 Comments
• Sources: Tigers join pursuit of Cubs’ Garza

  December 30, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Detroit Tigers have emerged as a suitor for Chicago Cubs starter Matt Garza.

  Interest in Garza has picked up recently, major league sources say, and the Tigers are involved. Multiple teams are pursuing Garza aggressively, increasing the odds that the right-handed starter will be dealt before spring training.

  The New York Yankees are interested in Garza, but one source said they are not currently engaged because of the Cubs’ asking price. Garza’s rising salary — likely more than $8 million in 2012, with another year of salary arbitration thereafter — could become problematic because of the Yankees’ proximity to the luxury-tax barrier.

  However, unlike many available pitchers, Garza already has proved he can win in the rugged American League East. Given that, and the Yankees’ continued need for pitching, the Bronx can’t be ruled out as a possible destination.

  The Tigers have quietly pursued starting pitchers throughout the offseason. They tried to acquire Gio Gonzalez before he was dealt from Oakland to Washington, but those efforts stalled when the A’s demanded righty Jacob Turner and third baseman Nick Castellanos. Because Garza comes with fewer years of control, the Cubs would be less likely to insist on both Turner and Castellanos in talks with Detroit.

  The Toronto Blue Jays have discussed Garza with the Cubs, but one source said there has been no recent momentum toward a deal. The Blue Jays were serious enough about upgrading their rotation that they submitted a posting bid for Japanese pitching star Yu Darvish in December.

  The Boston Red Sox hope to add at least one starting pitcher and are fond of Garza, but they don’t have active trade talks with the Cubs right now, according to one source. It’s unclear if Boston has the prospects to swing a deal for Garza after using so much minor league depth to acquire relievers Andrew Bailey and Mark Melancon.

  — Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal

  0 Comments
• Cubs hire Evans, invest in advance scouting

  December 30, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have made a number of moves in their first offseason with the Cubs, acquiring Travis Wood, Ian Stewart and Casey Weathers in trades and signing David DeJesus, Manny Corpas and Andy Sonnanstine as free agents.

  The Cubs also made a more subtle change that could impact their daily performance: The team hired former Red Sox major league scout Kyle Evans and put him in charge of the Cubs’ revamped video and advance scouting.

  While Epstein is generally associated with the rise of sabermetric analysis in the sport, he has long employed a large number of scouts – including advance scouts who help the coaching staff and players with game preparation. While with the Red Sox, Epstein employed two advance scouts at a time when other clubs had none.

  Epstein and Hoyer have carried an emphasis on advance scouting with them, hoping that Evans will get targeted information into the hands of manager Dale Sveum, coaches and players. The team plans to utilize scouting reports, analytical data and video to produce easy-to-digest information that is most applicable on the field.

  This is another case of successful practices in Boston following Epstein to Chicago. Going forward, though, there are restrictions on people themselves making that move. The Cubs hired away amateur scout Matt Dorey and promoted him to national crosschecker, then subsequently agreed not to hire any other Red Sox front-office personnel until December 2014. Evans, whose contract was expiring, did not count against the limit.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

  0 Comments
• Could League be option for Red Sox, Reds, Angels?

  December 21, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  Oakland’s Andrew Bailey isn’t necessarily the only big-name closer left on the trade market.

  Some within the industry believe the Mariners are willing to move Brandon League — if not now, then perhaps closer to spring training. A number of teams have contacted the Mariners to express interest, sources say.

  It would be difficult for the Mariners to trade League, an All-Star this year, while attempting to convince free agent Prince Fielder that they are serious about winning. But if Fielder signs elsewhere, the Mariners will likely reconsider League’s trade value — particularly considering he will become a free agent after the upcoming season.

  Sources say the Reds, Red Sox and Angels are interested in acquiring a closer, although it’s not clear if any of them have had serious talks with the Mariners about League.

  The Dodgers inquired about League’s availability during the winter meetings, but their interest is not believed to be serious.

  For now, League’s status with the Mariners seems analogous to Heath Bell’s situation in San Diego entering the 2011 season: He will be closing for a team that’s not expected to contend and therefore should have greater value to other clubs. If anything, the Mariners should be more motivated to trade League than the Padres were with Bell, because of the changing nature of draft-pick compensation under the new collective bargaining agreement.

  — Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi

  0 Comments
• Reds, Red Sox and Angels interested in Cordero

  December 20, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  Free-agent closer Francisco Cordero is drawing interest from the Reds, Red Sox and Angels, major-league sources said Tuesday.

  Cordero, 36, is coming off one of his best seasons as measured by WHIP, ERA and innings pitched. He’s viewed as the No. 2 closer left on the market after Ryan Madson, who is more than five years younger.

  Cordero has a preference to return to the Reds, with whom he has spent the past four seasons. But the sides have not been able to reach an agreement since the regular season ended nearly three months ago. The Reds don’t have an experienced closer on their roster and appear certain to acquire one via trade or free agency before Opening Day.

  The Rockies aren’t a suitor for Cordero despite having traded Huston Street, sources say. The Rockies hope to begin the season with Rafael Betancourt — a setup man for most of his career — in the ninth inning.

  Colorado may have the option of promoting prospect Chad Bettis into the closer’s role at some point during the season. Bettis, 22, is very advanced despite finishing 2011 at high Class A. He has a 1.090 WHIP and more strikeouts than innings pitched over his two-year minor-league career.

  — Jon Paul Morosi

  0 Comments