Red Sox Make Offer To Oswalt, But Does He Want It?
BOSTON (CBS) - The Red Sox have reportedly made an offer to free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt, but the righty has yet to accept.
According to CBS Sports' Dan Knobler, Boston has made a "significant offer" to Oswalt, possibly for multiple years, but the pitcher's reluctance to take the deal raises questions about his interest to join the Sox.
The 34-year-old, who declined a deal with the Detroit Tigers, could be waiting to see if he gets an offer from teams closer to his home state of Mississippi.
The Cardinals, Rangers and Reds could still be interested in Oswalt, but Texas and Cincinnati have already added starting pitching depth during the offseason.
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If Oswalt declines Boston's offer, they could turn their sights on free agent Edwin Jackson. ESPN's Jim Bowden is reporting (via Twitter) Boston has already made an offer to the 28-year-old, and actually prefer landing him over Oswalt. Jackson split time between the White Sox and Cardinals in 2011, going a combined 12-9 with a 3.79 ERA while striking out 148 in 199.2 innings pitched last season.
The right-hander went 1-1 for the Cardinals in the playoffs last season, allowing 11 earned runs in 17.2 innings pitched.
Jackson has played for six teams in his nine year career, posting a 60-60 record with a 4.46 ERA. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Jackson, a client of agent Scott Boras, would be willing to take a one-year deal.
Boston could use some more depth at the back-end of their rotation, with both Daisuke Matsuzaka and John Lackey set to miss the upcoming season. Oswalt or Jackson could fill the fourth or fifth starting slot, with Daniel Bard, Alfredo Aceves, Aaron Cook, and Vicente Padilla also in the running.
The Red Sox also have some concern with their roster when it comes to a free spot for any free agent addition. They are currently at full capacity on their 40-man roster, and need to clear a spot for recently signed outfielder Cody Ross.
