NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- This we know: despite Ben Cherington's description of his ideal right fielder, Dwight Evans is not walking through that door. After that, it's anybody's guess who will man the right side of the Red Sox' outfield.

OK, Cherington did offer one hint when meeting with the local media Monday at the winter meetings.

"The ability to cover ground out there is pretty important," he said.

But that's just a piece of the puzzle.

There's prioritizing lineup balance between the left and right sides, especially now that Mike Napoli is seemingly another everyday right-handed presence. Affordability is another factor, whether it's years or total money or both. And, of course, there's the proper fit in the world that is big league baseball in Boston.

After one day in the expanse of the Gaylord Resort and Hotel, the only clarity when it comes to identifying the next Red Sox right fielder is an opportunity to update the status of some of the candidates.

JOSH HAMILTON

How does he end up with the Red Sox? No team takes the leap of offering the kind of deal Hamilton is seeking (reportedly 5-7 years) and the price stays at around three years. According to major league sources, the Red Sox remain one of a handful of teams who are eyeing the outfielder on a short-term deal, perhaps being willing to lead the pack in average annual value for his services in exchange for not committing to an uncomfortable amount of years.

If the three-year plan stays in place, the Red Sox -- whose strategy of paying more than the rest of the market on short-term deals -- might have the upper hand. The problem is that all it takes is one team to break out of the pack and get into an uneasy level of commitment.

Money and years (and even off-the-field issues) aside, Hamilton is a great fit for what the Red Sox are looking for. He has the range of a center fielder, hits from the left side, and adds some much-needed punch to the middle of the Sox' lineup.

But there is money, years and off-the-field issues. That's why there is no perfect path for the Red Sox to secure what could be their perfect right fielder.

SHANE VICTORINO 

A major league source told WEEI.com's Alex Speier that the Red Sox feel comfortable going three years with Victorino, but evidently they aren't alone. There's even one team that reportedly is ready to go four years for the 32-year-old.

Like Hamilton, there are a lot of qualities that make Victorino a good fit for what the Red Sox are looking for. He has the desired defensive range, which also could be prioritized by the organization to protect itself against a down year from Jackie Bradley Jr., offering another option if Jacoby Ellsbury leaves following the 2013 season.

Also like Hamilton, the switch-hitting Victorino would help the Red Sox avoid becoming too righty heavy. But there are some red flags when it comes to this aspect of the equation, with the outfielder hitting just .229 against right-handed pitching, compared to .323 vs. lefties in '12. The struggles got to a point where he actually spent two games hitting right against right-handed pitching.

The decline in Victorino's numbers could also be a concern, with his OPS dropping from .847 in '11 to .704 last season.

But because of his relative youth, versatility, defensive ability and propensity to make things happen on the basepaths (92 steals in 107 attempts the last three seasons), Victorino is in demand. But there is also a reason one baseball source with some familiarity with the outfielder said the player and the Red Sox are "a perfect fit." In many ways, he is.

NICK SWISHER

An industry source informed WEEI.com Monday that Swisher might very well want to wait out the Hamilton signing before making up his mind. It makes some sense, with the switch-hitter potentially taking advantage of teams' need for his services once Hamilton is no longer an option.

As for the Red Sox, there are some aspects of Swisher's situation that might deter their interest. He would cost the team their second-round draft pick, and he doesn't present a viable option as a right fielder with the range of a center fielder.

But, unlike Victorino, Swisher is consistent from both sides of the plate, hitting just three points higher (.273) as a left-handed hitter. He also offers versatility if Napoli needs some time away from first base, while playing a decent right field. And for good measure, his OPS has been .822 or better in each of the past four seasons.

In the end, the draft pick compensation, coupled with the asking price, might turn the Red Sox off. But until somebody fills that spot, Swisher remains a formidable option.

CODY ROSS

According to a baseball source, the Yankees have become the latest team to show interest in Ross, requesting the outfielder's medical information last week. There are other teams anxious to see the Red Sox' approach toward the 31-year-old, viewing him as an affordable starting option.

No draft pick compensation. Relatively low annual average salary compared to some of his fellow free agents. Both weigh heavily in Ross' favor.

Right now, the Red Sox are staying firm on two years for Ross, with the player looking for three years. And, in this case, there doesn't appear to be the yearly bump in pay in exchange for fewer years, as has been the case for some of the Sox' other signings.

Despite the fact he hits from the right side, Ross remains a solid fit for the Red Sox, with the ability to play right field in Fenway Park, with the kind of swing the team is prioritizing to play in its home park. So, what would get Ross back with his '12 team? Hamilton and Victorino would likely have to come off the market, with the Red Sox comfortable with their left-handed hitting options somewhere else in the lineup (perhaps targeting Stephen Drew to play shortstop).

In the end, all things considered, Ross might actually represent the best bargain for the Red Sox.

SHIN-SOO CHOO

The 30-year-old isn't a free agent, and would come at a fairly significant cost if the Indians decided to trade him. But Choo's perceived availability should pique the Red Sox' interest.

Choo is a Scott Boras client who has just one year left until free agency. He hits from the left side, plays a strong right field, and gets on base quite a bit (.381 on-base percentage). In 155 games in '12,he hit .283 with an .815 OPS along with 16 home runs and 21 stolen bases in 155 games.

He struggled mightily against left-handed pitching last season (.199), but some chalked that up to being somewhat gun-shy on pitches on the inside of the plate due to a previous hand injury.

The Indians are desperate for good, young, starting pitching, having unloaded a chunk of their best prospects in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal. Cleveland isn't likely to re-sign Choo. He is also a player to whom a team like the Red Sox might feel comfortable extending a qualifying offer in order to secure a draft pick if he was to sign elsewhere following the '13 season.

It all adds up to the possibility of the Red Sox' allocating one of their prized young arms for the outfielder, a scenario only made realistic because of Choo's talents.