Red Sox Rumor Mill: Showing Off Shoppach?
BOSTON (CBS) -- With the hours ticking down to Tuesday's MLB trading deadline, it's going to be difficult to keep up with all the news and rumors surrounding the Red Sox. So let us try to help.
We'll track all the latest from local and national reporters surrounding the Sox. While their 51-51 record and last-place standing has them appearing to be sellers, there's no telling what their plans are. Check back here, though, for the latest whispers and rumblings from around the league.
5:30 p.m. Ellsbury Not On The Block?
According to Nick Cafardo and Gordon Edes, the Red Sox won't be moving Jacoby Ellsbury before the deadline. Once the offseason comes, they'll be more open to listening to offers for Ellsbury, who is set to become a free agent after the 2013 season.
4:06 p.m.: Cody Ross Not In Sox' Lineup
Cody Ross is not in the Red Sox' lineup for their series opener Monday night at Fenway Park against the Detroit Tigers. Now, that in itself doesn't necessarily mean too much, but in the 24 hours before the trade deadline, everything leads to at least some speculation.
Ross would be a big boost for any club looking to add an outfielder with some pop. He's hitting .260 with 16 homers this season, and he's cheap, on a one-year, $3 million deal. If the Sox were contending, he'd be a big part of it, but because they're in last place, he could be a solid piece that could net the Sox a couple of prospects, perhaps.
3:45p.m.: Red Sox Showcasing Potential Chips?
When the Red Sox open a three-game set against the Detroit Tigers Monday night, it appears as though they'll be showing off a few potential trade candidates.
Both catcher Kelly Shoppach and outfielder Ryan Sweeney will be in the lineup Monday, with both likely heading out-of-town come Tuesday afternoon.
Shoppach has drawn interest from clubs looking for a solid backup catcher, including the Mets and Rangers. It would make sense for Boston to deal Shoppach, not only to get something in return for the 32-year-old backstop who will sign elsewhere next season, but giving prospect Ryan Lavarnway some playing time as the season winds down.
Sweeney has been in trade rumors since before the All-Star break, and the likelihood of him being dealt has increased with the returns of Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury.
1:35 p.m.: Bringing Back Masterson?
The Red Sox are always looking to add pitching, and they may be eying a young arm they are very familiar with. While on with 98.5 The Sports Hub's Gresh & Zolak on Monday, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman mentioned Boston could be interested in bringing back Justin Masterson, who they sent to Cleveland in 2009 for Victor Martinez.
Red Sox fans will remember the righty as a reliever, but he has been used primarily as a starter for Cleveland, starting 22 games for the tribe this year. Although he is just 7-9 with a 4.47 ERA this season, Masterson was 12-10 with a 3.21 ERA in 32 starts in 2011. Now, the fading Indians have made the 27-year-old available.
The Red Sox reportedly had scouts at Masterson's start against the Twins on Saturday, when he allowed eight runs over 5.2 innings pitched. But if Boston does deal Josh Beckett, they'll be in need of another starter. Masterson could fill that void.
1 p.m.: Sox working to move Beckett
According to just about everyone, the Red Sox are willing to part ways with Josh Beckett. The only questions are whether any other teams would be willing to acquire him and if the veteran would be willing to accept a trade to a new team (his 10-5 rights allow him to veto any trade).
The Red Sox have reportedly contacted the Braves and Rangers regarding Beckett, though CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported that "clubs [are] concerned about attitude/performance."
12:30 p.m.: Sweeney on the block
It wouldn't be a part of any blockbuster, but the Red Sox are willing to trade outfielder Ryan Sweeney, according to ESPN's Gordon Edes. The 27-year-old is hitting .265 with 16 RBIs in limited playing time this season for the Red Sox.
