The trade deadline is only a few days away. But as of press time last night, things on that front had been quiet on Yawkey Way — and across the big leagues.
The Red Sox, who went into last night’s game against the Royals with a two-game lead in the AL East, hadn’t yet made anotable move. And it’s possible they won’t.
But they have been linked with several big-name targets. Here’s a breakdown.
Ubaldo Jimenez
Odds it happens: 100-1
The Rockies have made their young, cheap ace available, which is
surprising. He’d be a great add for the Sox, but the asking price is far too steep.
Carlos Beltran
Odds it happens: 75-1
Beltran, who’s having his best year since 2008, would easily replace J.D. Drew. But why pay when Josh Reddick can give solid production?
Erik Bedard
Odds it happens: 25-1
Bedard, who comes off the DL Friday, is the dark horse on the pitching market. He won’t cost as much as Jimenez and could do just as much in 2011.
Jeff Francoeur
Odds it happens: 15-1
“Frenchy” is a low-rent Beltran; he’d offer an OK right-handed bat off the bench. But again, the emergence of Reddick is the hurdle.
Craig Breslow
Odds it happens: 10-1
Why not??The reliever, a Connecticut native who pitched for the Sox in 2006, wouldn’t cost very much at all and would add a valuable lefty arm to the pen.
