Red Sox, Rangers talked blockbuster

According to multiple major league sources, one potential deal discussed by the Red Sox and Rangers prior to the non-waiver trade deadline included a package that would have sent Josh Beckett, Jacoby Ellsbury and Kelly Shoppach to the Rangers. It is unclear what player compensation the two teams discussed going from Texas to the Red Sox in such a deal.

The proposal was described by one source as nothing more than a theoretical back and forth of ideas that never progressed to the point where the Red Sox approached Beckett to discuss his 10-5 rights (which give the pitcher, as someone with 10 years in the majors and five with one club, the opportunity to veto a deal). Another source classified the talks as having reached a more advanced stage before hitting a wall. 

"We did feel empowered to do something bold, we just didn't find something bold that made sense for us," Cherington said. "We explored a lot of things that were bold, and maybe even got close to a couple of things, but we just didn't feel like there was anything of the big, bold variety that made sense for us right now."

There was no deal involving Beckett that advanced to the stage where the pitcher was alerted by the Red Sox front office that a deal might be taking place.

"I've never been through it. It was definitely something different for me," Beckett said after the Red Sox' rain-shortened, 4-1 win over Detroit Tuesday night. "[But] I mean, I definitely had three hours to calm my mind [before the start]."

He later added, "I think everybody, you know there was a lot of guys in here that's name was attached that some people didn't think were going anywhere. I think a lot of times people try to throw as many things up against the wall as they can and then one sticks and they look like a genius."

The Rangers ultimately moved on from any deal with the Red Sox late in the afternoon Monday, first trading for Cubs catcher Geovany Soto, and then securing the services of Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Dempster.

Shoppach, who continued to be the subject of trade rumors up until the deadline, said the buzz didn't bother him.

"I don't really care as much as you all do," he said. "I have a job, no matter where it is. No matter how much you like places, I understand the business of the game, and I understood that a long time ago. It never fazes me. I do what I'm asked to do, whatever that is."

Beckett is signed through 2014, with the pitcher being owed $15.75 million in each of the next two seasons. Ellsbury will be eligible for free agency after the '13 season, while Shoppach is in the midst of a one-year, $1.35 million deal.

For more Red Sox news, go to the team page at weei.com/redsox.

Alex Speier contributed to this report