Speaking by phone Saturday afternoon, free agent Cody Ross said that he and the Red Sox never closed in on a potential deal leading up to the end of the period allowing the Sox exclusive negotiating rights.
"It hasn't been really what I would say close," Ross said.
Ross said his agent, Mike Milchin, received calls from "multiple teams" after the midnight deadline expired Friday night expressing interest in the 31-year-old. It's a dynamic that has altered Ross' mindset heading into the rest of the offseason.
"Yeah, definitely, because now it's going to be more complex with other teams involved. It's not just [the Red Sox]," he explained when asked if his thinking had changed post-deadline. "They had a ton of opportunities. We talked about this back in July and we couldn't work anything out up until the deadline. Now it only makes sense to listen to other teams. But obviously we're going to talk [with the Red Sox]."
When asked if he had an inkling as to what was about to transpire, Ross admitted, "To be 100 percent honest with you, no, not one bit."
One possibility that seemingly was in play leading up to Friday was that of the Red Sox offering the one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer to Ross. If the Sox did choose that route, it would have been presumably to prioritizing keeping any commitment short-term while paying more annually that would be earned in a multiyear deal.
"At first I thought no, but the closer it got to the deadline I thought it was possible," Ross said when asked if he believed there was a chance the Red Sox would submit the qualifying offer. "Obviously, when it passed they didn't offer, which is actually a good thing for me because now I don't have the draft pick attached to me as a free agent. Some guys have similar numbers and similar sort of careers and got qualifying offers, so teams will have to be willing to give up a draft pick to sign them, which they don't like doing. I think it benefits me. I wasn't upset about it."
With teams now being allowed to make offers to Ross, he does admit that there is some surprise that the exclusivity deadline has come and gone without a deal getting done with the Red Sox.
"I would say it's a little slower pace as far as it working out with the Red Sox," he said. "It's been a little slower than I thought.
"They had a chance to trade me at the deadline and get something decent in return, and didn't trade me in hopes of re-signing me. It just hasn't happened. Now there are quite a few other teams involved and we have a chance to play out the process. But everybody knows how much I love Boston."
Ross was especially effective in 2012 at home and against left-handed pitching. He finished the season hitting .267 with an .807 OPS and 22 home runs in 130 games but totaled a .298 average with a .921 OPS at Fenway Park, while managing a .295 average with 1.010 OPS vs. lefty pitching.
For more Red Sox news, go to the team page at weei.com/redsox.
In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.
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One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.
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Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.
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Dave O'Brien talked to John Farrell before the end of the Twins series. The Sox skipper said that Big Papi's success is no surprise given his work ethic.
John Farrell postgame press conference
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Kenny Albert joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the play of Henrik Lundqvist, changes John Torterella may make before tonight's game, and if home ice advantage will make a difference.
Elliotte Friedman joined the show to discuss the Bruins domination of the series thus far. He said that while nothing is certain he cannot see a way in which the Rangers come back and win the series.
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Steve joined the show to discuss the Rangers and their coach John Tortorella. Steve said that the Bruins have been the far better team thus far in the series.
Kirk and Gerry talked about game three tonight at Madison Square Garden between the Bruins and Rangers. Gerry and Kirk are not very confident in the ability of the Rangers to make this a series.
Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss the Bruins Rangers series and what to expect with Game 3 back in NY. He also talks about Seguin's inconsistency and the role of Jaromir Jagr.
Kenny Albert joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the play of Henrik Lundqvist, changes John Torterella may make before tonight's game, and if home ice advantage will make a difference.
Find out which WEEI host came out victorious in the latest Salk Vs. Mut battle.
What's better than a whole hour with NESN's Jack Edwards? Not much. We talk all hockey, all the time with Jack live from his study, with a "Loving Cup", whatever that is.
We talk hockey as the Bruins have had little problem taking a 2-0 series lead against the much talk about NY Rangers. Will this continue in games 3 and 4 at MSG? We discuss.
We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today. Gronk!, Proms with celebs and athletes and much more.
Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins have a 2-0 lead over the New york Rangers, the Red Sox are back on the winning sde of things, and the noteable birthdays of the day.
The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.
Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th
....uhhhh.....a bunch of bombs over there....
Sounds like a prostate exam to me!
Damn New Yorkers!
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