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.
According to a major league source, the Red Sox and Rangers have had discussions about a potential deal that would send pitcher Josh Beckett to Texas. However, it is unclear at this time how much momentum the talks have gained. For now, no deal appears imminent.
According to the source, the Red Sox are engaged with other teams as well, with Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports having reported (via twitter) that the Braves were one such team. Passan also reported that the Dodgers and Red Sox have not talked at this point, but that Los Angeles could have interest in the right-hander.
As of late last week, the Rangers and Red Sox were not discussing Beckett and the Red Sox were only fielding calls on the starter, rather than engaging actively in any talks related to him. However, with Zack Greinke (previously a target of the Rangers) now off the market after being traded to the Angels and the starting pitching market taking shape, the two teams have engaged in talks.
It is believed that the Red Sox would have to absorb most of Beckett’s contract if a deal were to take place. The teams have discussed varying levels of players as potential return on the 32-year-old.
WEEI: Source: Red Sox discussing Josh Beckett with Rangers, among others
That story would make one hopeful that is in favor of a Josh Beckett trade, however, more recent reports from other news sources are making a trade seem unlikely.
CSNNE noted a couple of tweets that squash most ideas of a Beckett trade.
However, if Ken Rosenthal and Buster Olney are to be believed, such talk is moot:
Source: #RedSox talked to "handful of teams" that inquired about team's starting pitchers, including Beckett. "Unlikely" anything happens.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2012
It's unlikely the Red Sox will trade Josh Beckett, after talking with a small handful of teams about him.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 30, 2012
Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, speaking to Merloni on 'Sports Sunday's Conferece Call, says a Beckett trade is unlikely:
"The contract is too onerous and the Red Sox aren't likely to eat enough money to make it worthwhile to get him out of here."
CSNNE: Experts: Beckett trade is unlikely
I am among the hopefuls that the Red Sox will trade Josh Beckett for a sack of Oranges and a season pass to Disney World. I don't care what they get for him, just get him out.
The Red Sox are obviously trying to get the most for him and they will not get much in return. They will have to eat most of the contract, and again, get little in return.
The way it is looking, it's not going to happen, but we can only hope something will happen.
On Page 2, Tito texts Bobby V an apology
Terry Francona raised eyebrows at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon when he grabbed a chair in the Red Sox clubhouse and held a long conversation with six players and bench coach Tim Bogar.
On Sunday, Francona apologized to Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine via text message.
Valentine said the apology wasn’t necessary, but he appreciated it.
“I didn’t think it was any big deal,” Valentine said before the Red Sox took the series with a 3-2 in in 10 innings. “I didn’t see it. I wasn’t there partaking in the conversation. But what’s the big deal?”
Francona is now with ESPN after spending eight years as the manager of the Red Sox. As part of his job, he visits clubhouses to gather information.
[...]
“Oh, I yelled at him as soon as he came into my office and just said, ‘Don’t ever do that again,’ ” Valentine said. “No. I said, ‘Hey, how you doing?’ and we didn’t bring it up.”
Globe: Francona apologizes to Valentine
I didn't think this was a big deal. Francona is a member of the media and it just so happens that he is covering his former team. He sits down and talks with old colleagues for a little bit and causes no harm.
Tito did nothing wrong, yet it was enough to cause an uproar in the media. We just can't shake the webs of 2011.
The rest of the links:
Herald: Bobby V gets fired up | Bobby Valentine in center ring of Big Apple circus | ESPN Boston: Salty has company among top whiffers | Francona: Win a 'big swing game' for Sox | Globe: Valenine shows that he is feeling connected to the cause
