Sox reportedly close to signing A's OF Gomes

The Red Sox are closing in a two-year deal with free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes, according to a tweet [1] from Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald. CSNNE's Sean McAdam earlier reported [2] that the Sox had limited their outfield search to Gomes and Cody Ross.

The Orioles also are reported [3] to have interest in Gomes.

Gomes, who turns 32 Thursday, played for the A's last season after stints with the Nationals (2011), Reds (2009-11) and Rays (2003-08).

A 6-foot-1 225-pounder who bats from the right side, Gomes hit .262/.377/.491 with 18 home runs, 47 RBIs and 44 walks in 99 games last season, playing all three outfield positions plus DH.

In his 10-year, Gomes is hitting .244/.334/.455 with 136 homers and 411 RBIs.

Red Sox fans might remember Gomes for his role in a bench-clearing brawl at Fenway Park in June 2008. Coco Crisp charged the mound after getting hit by a pitch, and Gomes threw punches at Crisp while the Sox player was being pushed to the ground by other Rays. Gomes was suspended five games.

For more Red Sox news, visit the team page at weei.com/redsox [4].