Heyman On Gresh & Zo: 'Boston Is The One Player For Cliff Lee'
BOSTON (CBS) – The MLB Trade Deadline is just over a day away, and the Red Sox are one of the top teams mentioned when it comes to the rumor mill.
A big rumor making its rounds is a potential deal for Phillies ace Cliff Lee, and according to CBS Sports Baseball insider Jon Heyman, the Sox are the only team in the running for the former 22-game winner.
"From what I'm hearing from people a little removed, it does seem to be that Boston is the one player for Cliff Lee," Heyman said on his weekly appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub's Gresh & Zolak. "I'm not surprised there wouldn't be a lot (of other teams interested); Lee's got $70 million to go through 2015. With his option for 2016, that's a $30-million per year player. That's a lot of money and to give up prospects on top of that, it has to be a big market team with some room in your budget and a need for a starting pitcher, and be willing to deal top prospects."
"I think it's either Boston or nobody at the moment," said Heyman.
Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal wrote on Tuesday that the Red Sox should trade top prospect Xander Bogaerts if it means they can acquire Lee. But Heyman doesn't think Boston should mortgage the future for the soon-to-be 35-year-old Lee.
"I'd hate to disagree with friend, but I don't think so," he said of giving up Bogaerts. "They have a lot of great prospects. They have a terrific stash of guys like (Allan) Webster, (Ruby) De La Rosa, (Brandon) Workman, Henry Owens, Matt Barnes. They have position prospects as well. I think you can do a deal without bogarts, because you're talking $70 million for another two and a half years.
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"If I'm them, I'm holding on to Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr." said Heyman, "but Bradley Jr. is probably the guy (the Phillies) want because they have outfield issues."
Heyman also gave a few bullpen options for Boston as Wednesday's 4 p.m. deadline approaches.
"Luke Gregerson (5-5, 2.91 ERA in 47 appearances) is a very good pitcher; a very good setup man for San Deigo. I've heard Luke Hochevar (3-1, 1.80 ERA and 0.83 WHIP over 40 innings) from the Royals, but I don't know why they would sell at this point—they're back to .500," said Heyman. "The relief market is not terrible; you can find a reliever out there. But my top two would be Gregerson and Hochevar."
Heyman also gives his take on Monday night's blown call at Fenway, and the suspension that is expected to be handed down to Alex Rodriguez:
