The Red Sox are coming into the 2011 season with a roster full of talent and too much depth in a few positions. A major-league source said the Red Sox will be shopping players while they still have some value left.
The Sox would move pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has a full no-trade clause, if they could add to their young catching inventory, the source said. Veteran Tim Wakefield is on the bubble, according to the source, and might be available for left-handed relief help. The Sox would also consider moving one of their two veteran right-handed hitting outfielders, Mike Cameron or Darnell McDonald, with interest in Cameron expected to increase as he plays more. Cameron was starting in left field here Saturday. With young outfielders Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick still having options, the team's thinking is they could afford to lose one of the veterans, with Cameron obviously having the most value in a trade.
The source said the Sox would also listen to any offers on veteran shortstop Marco Scutaro, who at the moment is projected as Opening Day shortstop. The Sox have options in Jed Lowrie and top prospect Jose Iglesias, who could play defensively on the big-league level right now. Scutaro's versatility--he can also play second and third--might make him attractive to teams in need of infield help.
Those names shouldn't surprise anyone. I am not sure what they will get for the AARP group or if Dice-K will waive his no-trade clause. Scutaro has good value and Mike Cameron has always been in good shape and can still contribute to any team this season. If Wake doesn't make the roster, he will most likely retire so scratch that name off the list.
Overall, these guys have talent, but don't expect to get a lot in return if a trade does happen.
