Every morning we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump...
If they do not succeed in signing Roy Oswalt, to whom they have made an offer, a team source said Wednesday night, they most likely will shift their focus to trying to swing a deal with the Chicago White Sox for right-hander Gavin Floyd, with free agent pitcher Edwin Jackson a long-shot option at this stage.
Oswalt remains their No. 1 target, though a team source acknowledged fears that Oswalt would prefer to pitch for either the Rangers or Cardinals.
They have kept channels open with the White Sox regarding Floyd, a former No. 1 draft choice who offers fewer health risks than Oswalt. One league source said Wednesday the White Sox are looking for prospects in return, not necessarily Boston's top prospects, but two or three players with at least one having a high ceiling. Obviously, however, the sides have not come to any agreement on who those prospects should be.
ESPN - Pitching dominoes poised to fall?
There hasn't been a shortage of Roy Oswalt speculation over the past couple days. But if any of it is to be believed, you can probably cross Roy off of your Sox 2012 projected rotation. As Edes mentions in the above article (and was reported by Fox Sport's Ken Rosenthal), Oswalt would like to join either the Rangers or Cardinals, with the Rangers being his top choice.
To back this up, Buster Olney is reporting that the Sox aren't being very aggressive in their pursuit of Oswalt (or Edwin Jackson), offering each "about $5 million" on a one year deal. According to Olney, the Sox approach is essentially, "If you want to accept our offer, great! If not, eh, we'll live." Not really the cut-throat mentality you need to thrive in a constantly-improving AL East.
Which brings us back to Gavin Floyd who, right now, appears to be the Sox best chance at adding another pitcher. The White Sox asking price for Floyd doesn't seem to be too prohibitive: Two or three prospects, one of which projected to have a bright future. It's silly to speculate until we hear some of the names being discussed, but we at least know that despite the depleted cupboard, the Sox can afford to lose one solid prospect, and a couple maybes.
This isn't exactly how we expected the dominos to fall after the Scutaro trade, but if the Sox can come out of this with Gavin Floyd, it won't be a complete disaster.
On Page 2, Kevin Youkilis said that the Sox clubhouse was a mess last season.
Third baseman Kevin Youkilis acknowledged last night that the Red Sox “didn’t have the best vibe in the clubhouse,’’ and that contributed to missing the playoffs.
“It was very different,’’ said Youkilis. “It was noticeable early, but when you win, winning heals all the wounds. But we definitely didn’t have the right attitude in a lot of ways.
“We were worrying about things that we shouldn’t have been worrying about and not playing the game of baseball."
Globe - Kevin Youkilis admits bad ‘vibe’ for Red Sox
Rest of the links:
Herald - Kevin Youkilis says team failed | ESPN - Bobby V lukewarm on adding a pitcher | Globe - Bobby Valentine is getting to know Boston | Roy Oswalt, Red Sox may not be a match | NBC - Dan Wheeler agrees to minor-league contract with Indians | WEEI - The budget isn't the problem: Another look at the Red Sox payroll | Sox designate Atchison for assignment
