LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- According to multiple sources familiar with the team's thinking, the Red Sox have not ruled out the pursuit of free agent Carl Crawford. However, several team and industry sources suggest that the seven-year, $126 million deal that Jayson Werth signed with the Phillies could complicate that pursuit.
The Sox appear unlikely to change their opinion of Crawford's value (and the kind of offer they are willing to make) as a reaction to the Werth contract. Even so, if Werth's deal proves an outlier, rather than a baseline, then it is conceivable that Boston could still be in the mix for the speedy All-Star. That said, the timetable for negotiations with Crawford are complicated by the fact that they are somewhat dependent on when and with whom Cliff Lee signs, since teams such as the Yankees and Rangers could turn their attentions to Crawford should they fail to land the left-hander.
The Sox, according to multiple sources, are considering several outfield options, with players such as free agents Magglio Ordonez and Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran (whom New York is willing to discuss in trades) viewed as potential fits, depending on the cost of acquisition. For more on the Sox and the outfield market, visit the Full Count blog [1]. For complete Red Sox coverage, visit weei.com/redsox [2].
Links:
[1] http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2010/12/07/a-look-at-the-red-sox-interest-in-outfielders-carl-crawford-matt-diaz-josh-willingham/
[2] http://www.weei.com/redsox
[3] http://www.weei.com/category/boston/red-sox