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Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington and manager John Farrell met with free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton on Wednesday, according to multiple sources. The three men met at the MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn. Cherington did confirm to the media that he met with a player, but would not identify Hamilton as that player.
The Red Sox are rumored to be interested in the former Texas Rangers slugger, but are seeking a shorter contract than Hamilton wants. The 31-year-old outfielder is believed to be looking for a five- to seven-year deal, but the Red Sox would like to sign Hamilton to a shorter deal.
Hamilton, the 2010 American League MVP, hit .285 last season with a .930 OPS, 43 home runs and 128 RBIs. He is a five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner. In addition to his stellar statistics, Hamilton has a history of drug abuse, alcoholism and addiction.