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Red Sox scouting Joe Blanton

I don't think we need to read too much into it at this point, but the Red Sox sent some scouts to check out Joe Blanton's start yesterday.

Via CSNPhilly.com:

The usual gaggle of scouts smeared on sun block and gathered in the box seats behind the backstop to watch the Phillies’ righthander make his third start of the spring Thursday. They were joined quite noticeably by newcomers from Boston and Baltimore. The Red Sox are one of the clubs looking to add a veteran arm and the Orioles might be on that list, too.

Blanton allowed three runs – his first of the spring – on four hits over five innings of work in a 6-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. He struck out four and did not walk a batter

I just can't see a scenario where the Red Sox are going to actively pursue bringing Blanton aboard.  At least not during this stage of the season.  Later on, if we get hit with some injuries?  All bets are off.  But I'd rather roll the dice with Felix Doubront and see what he can provide than bringing in another guy, let alone one with Blanton's pedigree.  

Trading for Blanton doesn't make much sense financially, either.  Blanton is owed $8.5 million, which the Sox won't add to their payroll, and the Phillies won't eat.  Part of their incentive to rid themselves of Blanton is to get out from under that contract, and they'd have to keep a chunk of it on their book if they want to move him to Boston.

I think we can file this under "just checking in" for now.  We'll see how the first month or two of the season plays out before we start trying to add another mediocre guy to the rotation.

Stark On Blanton, Ellsbury Potential Trades

Jayson Stark of ESPN was a guest on the Dale & Holley show today and had some fairly interesting tidbits to pass along.

Via WEEI:

Sports Illustrated reported on Tuesday that the Red Sox and Phillies had a deal in place for Joe Blanton. Stark was asked if Blanton would make sense for the Red Sox.

"Not particularly," said Stark of Blanton, who has two years and $17 million left on his contract. "I think the Red Sox were willing yesterday to do anything to help the Phillies make this [Lee] deal happen. They would have been a very accommodating trade partner."

And the whole Blanton nonsense suddenly makes sense!

When Scott reported the Blanton rumors this morning, like him, I immediately called B.S.  Not only is Blanton borderline average, we have no need for him.  But to do it solely to help screw over the Yankees?  Don't tell me that the rivalry is dead.  At least not on Yawkey.

Stark also explained that the Yankees basically went all-in on Lee, with no backup plan, so they're busy formulating that now.  A bit late in the game for a plan B (C, really, after Crawford), but it's not like their team is full of holes.  They'll be just fine.

He also confirmed that the Sox don't seem too concerned over trying to move one of their outfielders now that Crawford is onboard.  Reason being, no way that outfield ensures 162 games without an injury or two.  Although, in regards to Ellsbury, he had this to share:

Is there any chance that the addition of Crawford means a possible deal involving Jacoby Ellsbury? Stark believes the Red Sox are happy with the team they have but won't shut the door on a potential Ellsbury trade.

"I think it opens that possibility," said Stark. "No doubt about it. The sense I get is that they are very content with how their team and outfield shapes up right now.  They're in the driver's seat now, they can totally call their own shots here and control where their off-season goes from here. Anything they do now, they do from strength. That's not the case with the Yankees."

I don't see the Sox moving Ellsbury unless they can use him to wrestle Hanley Ramirez from the Marlins (not happening).  The prospect of Ellsbury and Crawford wheeling around the basepaths while Gonzalez, Ortiz and Youk knock the ball all over the park is too enticing to mess with.

Conflicting reports on a Joe Blanton to Boston deal

Earlier this morning, Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman tweeted that the Sox were trading for Philly right-hander Joe Blanton.

word now is, philly has a deal in place with boston for blanton. @ken_rosenthalmentioned #redsox possibility this a.m.

However, WBZ-TV's Dan Roche, who's always spot-on with his Sox sources, refutes that.

To reiterate: Sox source: No deal in place for Joe Blanton and "no reason to think a deal will happen"

When push comes to shove, I'm leaning towards Rochie on Sox news.  We'll wait and see if there's anything to this... but right now I'm leaning towards not.