According to a source close to WEEI's Alex Speier, the Boston Red Sox are "not close" to acquiring anyone on the free agent or trade market. 

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington is reportedly convinced that there will be marquee players available in the month of January, at a more team-friendly price. In the past, the Sox have been able to add players such as David Ortiz, Adrian Beltre, Bill Mueller and Alfredo Aceves in both January and February; all at bargain prices.

While they aren't close to making big moves, they are still very much involved in several free agent and trade discussions for both starting pitchers and closers. They have been linked most notably to starting pitchers Gio Gonzalez, Roy Oswalt, Hiroki Kuroda and Joe Saunders as well as closers Andrew Bailey, Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero.

Cherington's patience in regards to acquiring big-time players is evident. Thus far, the team's most notable moves include a trade for Astros closer Mark Melancon and the signing of catcher Kelly Shoppach and infielder Nick Punto. I guess Sox fans will just have to wait a little bit longer for the big moves to be made.

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