ESPN's Gordon Edes reports that struggling Sox lefty Jon Lester is not available in any of Boston's trade negotiations before the deadline.
Despite his disappointing performance, the Red Sox will not trade Lester, a major league source said Wednesday, further reinforcing the team's decision to push for a playoff spot in 2012.
The Red Sox remain engaged on a number of fronts to add starting pitching, most notably with the Miami Marlins for right-hander Josh Johnson and the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Matt Garza.
I'd like to correct Gordon just a bit, however. The fact that the Sox won't deal Lester doesn't "reinforce the team's decision" to go for the playoffs. It merely means they know that selling low on one of their best assets is a foolish, foolish move.
Similarly, the Johnson and Garza moves reflect interest in retaining players beyond 2012, as Johnson is under contract for next year and Garza is arbitration eligible.
