Like others, Sox are biding time

DANA POINT, Calif. - Unlike last season, when Brad Lidge was dealt from Houston to Philadelphia, nothing concrete happened at the general managers' meetings - with the exception of Manny Ramírez receiving a two- or three-year offer from the Dodgers worth about $25 million per season.

But that's the nature of these meetings - more talk than action.

Hanging out there between now and the winter meetings in Las Vegas next month is a deal that could have Jake Peavy going from San Diego to Atlanta, Chicago (Cubs), or the Dodgers, with the Braves still in the driver's seat if they're willing to give up more of their prospects (though the Cubs were trying hard to land him yesterday).

The Brewers have offered CC Sabathia five years at $20 million annually, but his market is still developing. A.J. Burnett will be the consolation prize, with several teams, including the Yankees, interested. The White Sox are always wheeling, dealing, and "suggesting" and have talked to the Mets about closer Bobby Jenks.

According to Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, no deal involving his club is imminent, but the proverbial foundation has been established. He did acknowledge there's one deal "we might be able to do before the winter meetings" Dec. 7 that could involve Coco Crisp or Julio Lugo.

"We learned a lot about what teams were looking to do," Epstein said. "It'll be valuable information down the road."

Epstein, who left here late yesterday morning, said he engaged in trade talk with teams Wednesday night, but wouldn't specify which teams, and classified them as "conversations," not anything firm.

"We're looking forward to the 14th [of November, when free agency begins] when we can start to get a feel for whether our evaluation of players is satisfactory or not," he said.

Among the things the Sox may have established:

Epstein and agent Scott Boras are far apart on Jason Varitek's monetary value. Boras is looking for Jorge Posada money (four years, $52 million); the Sox are looking for a shorter term and fewer dollars.

The Sox have a market for Crisp and Lugo.

Epstein clarified: "We're not calling around trying to trade our players, we're calling around trying to see the availability of other teams' players."

Nonetheless, Crisp has value. With free agent Rafael Furcal drawing interest from 10 teams, it's a good view of how tough it is to find a shortstop. So teams may want to deal with the Red Sox for Lugo, if Boston is willing to take on some of his contract or trade him to another team trying to unload a contract.

The Red Sox don't appear to be in on major pitching free agents Sabathia and Burnett, but are unsure about Derek Lowe. The Sox will likely add a veteran pitcher, who could come from the free agent pool, a trade, or the Japanese market.

The Sox are after catchers. The two young Texas catchers - Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden - are high atop their list. Seattle's Jeff Clement has been mentioned. The Sox are also looking at trade possibilities for veterans like Bengie Molina and, if in a bind, Pudge Rodriguez.

If the Sox deal Crisp and Lugo, and lose Mark Kotsay to free agency, they'll have to replenish with a fourth outfielder and a backup shortstop. The Sox will likely be looking for a righthanded-hitting outfielder (Gabe Kapler or Rocco Baldelli?) and could add a shortstop to compete with Jed Lowrie (Khalil Greene if he's not dealt to another team by the Padres).

The Red Sox are more than intrigued by Baldelli, but are trying to do their due diligence concerning his mitochondrial disease, which causes premature muscle fatigue. Baldelli is still a gifted athlete whose righthanded bat and strong outfield play would fit nicely with the Red Sox, especially if they deal Crisp. But the X-factors of not knowing how often Baldelli would be able to play and whether the condition is getting better or worse are important details the Sox are trying to determine. Baldelli is also going to continue to find answers this offseason, visiting more specialists.

The Sox need bullpen help and will likely look to add a middle reliever to replace Mike Timlin.

Pitching coach John Farrell will likely be interviewed for the Seattle managerial job. The Sox also need a first base coach.

The Sox are really in a strong position because they could do a lot or do little and still have a strong team.

They must address the catching situation immediately - either re-sign Varitek or take a chance elsewhere - but beyond that, they could start spring training with Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, and either Clay Buchholz or Justin Masterson in the rotation.

They could come back with the same bullpen.

They could come back with the same positional players, though they'd love to move Lugo, and there's the realization that Jacoby Ellsbury is their future center fielder and Crisp, who played the role of good soldier, would likely not accept another season of platooning or being used as the fourth outfielder.

They could also upgrade big time.

First baseman Mark Teixeira's name is perpetually out there and linked to a few big-market teams, including Boston (even the Nationals are set to make an offer). If Teixeira were signed, it would create a complicated scenario of moving Kevin Youkilis to third base and having to perhaps deal Mike Lowell, who is recovering from a torn labrum in his left hip.

The Red Sox certainly aren't against doing something that complicated if it makes their lineup stronger. But they will have to keep an eye on the Rays and Yankees moving forward.