We already covered the inevitable rumor that the Red Sox will listen to offers for center fielder and impending free agent Jacoby Ellsbury. This morning a number of reporters from Winter Meetings are chiming in that the Sox are fielding offers for both Ellsbury and staff ace Jon Lester.
Buster Olney of ESPN says on Twitter they're listening but are not "motivated" and teams would have to "overpay" to acquire either player.
Nick Cafardo of the Globe, however, tweets that Ellsbury will be difficult to deal because he most likely would not sign long-term anywhere.
Jon Heyman of CBS, meanwhile, characterizes the Red Sox as "very active," including offers for high-profile players.
I am not a reporter, but I would say a move of either player is unlikely. I think we're more likely to see the Red Sox try to sign Lester to an extension than trade him; I think they think Farrell will be able to fix him. And Ellsbury? Like Cafardo said, the lack of possibility of an extension makes his value nebulous, and probably not in a good way. We're likely looking at a prospect or two, and probably nothing elite, although Buster Olney (Insider) suggested this morning that several very good prospects, including Randall Delgado and Julio Teheran from Atlanta, could be considered.
I know what you're thinking -- but if they trade Ellsbury or Lester, how will they fill their spots on the major league roster? Not to worry: Cafardo says the team has checked in on the immortal Carl Pavano.
