MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Not Pursuing Astros' Wandy Rodriguez

With news that the Rich Harden trade to Boston has fallen through, it's clear that the Red Sox were intent on adding a starting pitcher. Now that the deal is deal, the Red Sox may be looking to bring in another starter before the non-waiver trade deadline at 4 p.m. EDT on Sunday.

One of the rumored names on the move is Houston Astros starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez. However, according to a report from Jon Morosi of FOX Sports on Twitter, the Red Sox aren't pursuing the Astros' seven-game winner.

Rodriguez is 7-7 with a 3.47 ERA and 106 strikeouts this season for Houston.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

MLB Trade Rumors: Boston Red Sox Interested In Mariners' Erik Bedard?

Erik Bedard's name was thrust into the Boston Red Sox' rumor mill, as a source told Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi of FOX Sports that the Red Sox have been "all over" Bedard as the July 31 trade deadline looms.

The Mariners reportedly had scouts at the Red Sox' Triple-A and Double-A affiliates on Wednesday. Bedard is 4-6 with a 3.00 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 15 starts this season. 

Bedard hasn't pitched since June 27, when he strained his left knee. However, Bedard will come off the disabled list on Friday, according to the report.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

MLB Trade Rumors: Should The Red Sox Be Shopping For a Starting Pitcher?

With the MLB trade deadline looming like the gray clouds that have mired the start of the last two games at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox have some decisions to make. Do they need to look at the starting pitcher market?

After last night’s performance by Andrew Miller – a start that had many in the Twittersphere giving the lefty directions back to Pawtucket - many Sox fans are hoping that general manager Theo Epstein entertains a deal for a starting pitcher. Over The Monster echoed those thoughts after Miller’s shaky 7 runs on 9 hits outing:

“How awful was Andrew Miller this evening? Let’s just say I hope the names “Hiroki Kuroda” or even “Ubaldo Jimenez” come up in the next couple of days."

The Sox would be okay with jettisoning Miller if Clay Buchholz was closer to returning. Buchholz told reporters on Monday that he was feeling at “80 percent,” which is encouraging after some lackluster sessions in the days prior. But he still is anticipating more simulated sessions and a conditioning stint in the minors.

But the Red Sox pitching staff has been more injury prone than the MBTA this season, and what happens if Buchholz has a set back with his lower back strain – an injury that could easily turn into a plethora of overcompensation injuries? The Sox will either take their chances with the lineup they have, or need to jump into the trading race.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

MLB Trade Rumors: Do The Red Sox Really Need Hiroki Kuroda?

Hiroki Kuroda is scheduled to make what could be his final start with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, as the 36-year-old right hander is drawing interest from many teams across the league, including the Boston Red Sox.

Kuroda has been slightly better than average in his four seasons, owning a record of 34-42 with a 3.52 ERA and 459 strikeouts in 103 games - all but one of which he has started in. This season, Kuroda has a sub par 6-12 record with career-best 3.19 ERA and 97 strikeouts through 20 starts. 

While Kuroda's win totals have been less than impressive, it's important to remember that he has been playing with the Dodgers, who have struggled mightily this season while suffering through the poor management of Frank McCourt.

However, Kuroda's ERA is encouraging. He has consistently posted ERAs in the middle-to-upper threes. Still, it's only fair to ask if Kuroda is really what the Red Sox need, or if it would be worth sticking with the status quo.

Injuries have hampered the Red Sox' rotation, and John Lackey has been ineffective (and that's really sugarcoating it). With that in mind, it seems like Theo Epstein should look for all of the help he can get, as he can always move a pitcher to the bullpen.

Also, there is the issue of Kuroda's no-trade clause. Kuroda hasn't turned down any teams yet, saying that he will thoroughly think about any teams once the Dodgers present him with a possible trade scenario.

If Epstein can acquire Kuroda with relative ease, and without giving up a lot of money or a good prospect, it's certainly worth looking into.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

MLB Trade Rumors: Can Jeff Francoeur Replace J.D. Drew For Red Sox?

Jeff Francoeur is the latest player to have his name tied to the Boston Red Sox, as reports have surfaced saying the Boston Red Sox have been in touch with the Kansas City Royals about his availability at the trade deadline.

Francoeur, a right-handed right fielder, would most likely replace J.D. Drew - who is batting .219 with four home runs and 21 RBI and is about to be placed on the DL - in the outfield if he was acquired. But would it help the Red Sox?

This season, Francoeur is batting .269 with 13 home runs and 60 RBI in 97 games. In addition, he has scored 45 runs and has swiped 16 bases for the Royals. His numbers aren't All-Star caliber, but certainly better than Drew's.

Francoeur's would most likely provide a boost in the outfield for a team desperately in need on a right-handed bat. He would most likely split time with the red-hot Josh Reddick, with Drew heading to the bench for good.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

MLB Trade Rumors: Would Cubs' Alfonso Soriano Fit With Red Sox?

Alfonso Soriano was once considered one of the premier players in baseball. Now, the Chicago Cubs - who signed him to an eight-year deal worth $136 million - are eager to get rid of the struggling infielder turned outfielder.

So much so, that they would be willing to eat most of his contract, which has $60 million remaining on it.

The Chicago Cubs would be willing to absorb a high percentage of left fielder Alfonso Soriano's contract if the right trade offer came along, a source familiar with the situation told ESPNChicago.com. (via ESPN Chicago)

It's clear that the Cubs want to part ways with Soriano, and it's also clear that the Red Sox are in the market for another outfielder. With that being the case, would Soriano be a good fit for Boston?

Soriano is having an off season, batting .249 with 14 home runs and 41 RBI in 82 games. While his numbers aren't on par with what he should be producing based on his contract, they are a vast improvement from J.D. Drew's numbers. Drew has had an absolutely horrendous season, batting .223 with four homers and 22 RBI.

The salaries don't match up, though, as Drew is owed $14 million this season and Soriano is owed $19 million. It's unclear how much of Soriano's contract the Cubs are willing to cover, and no guarantee that Chicago wants Drew, although he does have an expiring contract.

Carlos Beltran would probably be a better fit for the Red Sox, but Soriano is not a terrible option if most of his salary is covered. In the end, it's all up to Theo Epstein.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

MLB Trade Rumors: Jose Reyes (Probably) Isn't Coming To Red Sox

Jose Reyes will not be on the move, this according to sources close to the New York Mets. That news all but puts an end to the rumors that Reyes would be traded to the Boston Red Sox, who are in need of a solid middle infielder to par with Dustin "The Muddy Chicken" Pedroia.

The New York Mets now are certain they will not trade shortstop Jose Reyes before the July 31 deadline, league sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Wednesday. The Mets likely would have quite a few suitors for the All-Star, but he has been playing so well in recent weeks that the team has decided to hold onto him despite his pending free agency, sources said. (via ESPN)

This isn't a surprising move by the Mets, considering that Reyes is one of the faces of the franchise. Reyes has been having a stellar season, batting .350 with 126 hits and 15 triples to go along with three home runs and 32 RBI. In addition, Reyes has stolen 30 bases and has a .972 fielding percentage this season (10 errors).

Reyes would almost certainly help the Red Sox, but he has a high price tag considering that this is his contract year and he will want a long term big money deal at the conclusion of the season.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

MLB Trade Rumors: Carlos Beltran A Good Fit For Boston Red Sox?

Carlos Beltran's name has been linked to many contenders as the July 31 trade deadline, including the Boston Red Sox. But would Beltran really benefit the Red Sox as they chase their third World Series title since 2004?

The simple answer is, yes. Beltran, selected as an All-Star this season, is batting .293 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI in 91 games for the New York Mets this season. In 15 seasons, Beltran is a career .282 hitter with 294 home runs and 1,121 RBI.

Beltran has a history of being injury-prone, but when compared to the Red Sox' current option in right field, it may be worth the risk. J.D. Drew, the Sox' starting right fielder, has provided little production at the plate this season, batting .223 with only four home runs and 22 RBI in 77 games this season with Boston.

While Beltran is not a right fielder by nature (he plays center with the Mets), he would likely be able to slide over to right and help the Red Sox down the stretch. However, the Mets are in search of some prospects if they pull the trigger on a deal, and Boston would likely have to trade the young Josh Reddick and a few other young talents to land Beltran.

But when you have a shot at winning the World Series, it might be worth it.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Interested In Rockies' Ubaldo Jimenez?

Ubaldo Jimenez is reportedly one of the starting pitchers targeted by the Boston Red Sox according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, who said the Sox have jumped into the mix.

The Red Sox are the latest team to inquire, sources said Tuesday. It's not yet clear how serious that interest is, or how strong a match there would be. The Red Sox have also continued to monitor the Carlos Beltran market. (via CBSSports.com)

Jimenez, who is 5-8 with a 4.08 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 18 starts this season, is also reportedly being targeted by the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers.

While Jimenez has struggled this season, he put up career numbers in 2010, going 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA and 214 strikeouts. He has a lifetime record of 55-44 with a 3.60 ERA and 754 strikeouts in three seasons.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

MLB Trade Rumors: Carlos Beltran Interested In Playing For Red Sox?

The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and it'snot quite clear whether or not the Boston Red Sox will be big players in the market. Some rumors have the Red Sox interested in adding starting pitchers and/or an outfielder.

And then, there are the rumors surrounding Carlos Beltran.

Beltran would reportedly waive his full no-trade clause if he was traded by the New York Mets to the Red Sox. Beltran, who has $8.1 million left on his one-year contract, is batting .287 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI in 90 games.

Beltran indicated that the Red Sox would be a team he would be open to joining. "That's an easy one," he said. The Sox also had interest in Beltran last winter before they acquired Carl Crawford. (via Boston Globe)

Beltran would almost certainly help the Red Sox immediately considering that they are getting little production out of right field (namely J.D. Drew and Darnell McDonald). However, according to Peter Abraham, it may be a stretch.

Landing Beltran would seem like a long shot. The Mets are sure to want a good prospect or two in return and the money could be prohibitive.