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Jones: Contract Offer To Jon Lester A Way For Red Sox To Save Face

BOSTON (CBS) - The Major League Baseball offseason is in full swing and the rumor mill is spinning faster than ever, maybe more so with the Red Sox than any other team in terms of the big name free agents.

Boston reportedly has their sights set on third baseman Pablo Sandoval and pitcher Jon Lester, a player who grew up in the Red Sox organization but was traded to Oakland at the trade deadline for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.

The interest (whether real or not) the Red Sox have in Jon Lester is confusing, to say the least.

We know the Red Sox don't like giving out long term contracts to players over the age of 30. They said as much last offseason, and their offer to Jon Lester in spring training of four years and $70 million -- while unrealistic -- did fall in line with their organizational philosophy.

Lester of course turned down the meager offer, and now months later the club is reportedly willing to go six years and between $110-$120 million for the high priced free agent.

What's changed in under a year's time?

98.5 The Sports Hub's Adam Jones thinks the contract offer to Jon Lester is meant to appease the Red Sox fan base and "save face."

What do you think?

Listen below for the full conversation:

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