Report: Brandon McCarthy Drawing Interest From Red Sox
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Red Sox made an important addition on Monday with the signing of Mike Napoli, but there remains work to be done in filling out the starting rotation.
According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, free-agent starter Brandon McCarthy is drawing interest from several teams, and the Red Sox are one of them.
"The A's have been in contact with another of their free agents, starter Brandon McCarthy, but expected that there would be strong competition for the right-hander and they're right: The Chronicle has learned that among the clubs already expressing interest are the Red Sox, the White Sox, the Cubs, the Royals, the Diamondbacks and the Twins - and the Angels and Rangers also are expected to join in," Slusser reported.
McCarthy, 29, posted a 17-15 record and 3.29 ERA with Oakland over the past two years in 43 starts. The market for McCarthy should be interesting, as he suffered a frightening head injury last season when a line drive hit him in the head Sept. 5. He underwent brain surgery, but he began his recovery before September ended.
In his career, which dates back to 2005 with the White Sox, McCarthy is 37-39 with a 4.02 ERA and 1.284 WHIP for Chicago, Texas and Oakland.
McCarthy made $4.275 million last season. Slusser reported that sources say McCarthy may be willing to sign a one-year deal.
McCarthy had success against the AL East last year, posting a 4-0 record and 2.33 ERA against Boston, Tampa Bay and Baltimore in four starts. He struck out 16 batters and walked eight in those four games, allowing 12 hits 27 innings.
