The Boston Red Sox, who need to fill the vacancy left by departed closer Jonathan Papelbon, have inquired about free agent closer Francisco Cordero, Cordero's agent told ESPN.
Cordero, 36 years old, had a 5-3 record with 37 saves and a 2.45 ERA in 69.2 innings last season with the Cincinnati Reds. His best year came in 2004 with the Texas Rangers, when the pitcher was 3-4 with 49 saves and a 2.13 ERA.
ESPN's Gordon Edes suggested the Red Sox might also have been one of a dozen teams to inquire about relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton. Broxton, who appeared in just 14 games last season for the Los Angeles Dodgers before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his pitching elbow in September, had a 5.68 ERA last season. During his last full season, in 2010, Broxton was 5-6 with a 4.04 ERA and 22 saves. For the four-year stretch from 2006-2009, Broxton compiled 79 saves and his ERA was never higher than 3.13.
If the Red Sox choose not to sign a closer during free agency, they would likely promote Daniel Bard to fill Papelbon's role.
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