Sox, Epstein staying patient

Burnett is a topic - but not a hot one

LAS VEGAS - The Red Sox' true target, one Mark Teixeira, appears set. But that hasn't stopped the team from meeting with other free agents and their representatives over the first two days of the winter meetings. Of those meetings, the most notable (or at least public) appear to be two that occurred Monday, with CC Sabathia and with the agents for A.J. Burnett.

Whether those talks turn into something more, especially given the Sox' stated reluctance to enter into big-money, long-term deals for starting pitchers, remains to be worked out through the final days in Las Vegas, and in the upcoming weeks. Because even though deals can turn in a second at the meetings, some of the biggest names could leave here without homes.

As for Burnett, about whom the Sox have been talking since the middle of November, agent Darek Braunecker said yesterday morning that Boston had "significant dialogue" concerning the righthanded pitcher Monday. "Certainly more substantive than our last communication."

That, of course, hardly means anything will get done with the pitcher, as is also the case with Sabathia, whom the Sox seem even more unlikely to sign. The team's focus is not really on the free agent pitching market, with less need there than for a big bat to team with David Ortiz. Though unstated, Teixeira remains first on the Sox' free agent wish list, over any starting pitcher.

Overall for the Sox, it was a quiet day yesterday. The team had no more face-to-face meetings with players, though they did meet with agents and with one other club.

"It's hard to be patient," general manager Theo Epstein said. "But it's important to be patient. The offseason is not going to hinge on these winter meetings. We'll just continue to work at it until we find some things we like.

"In reality, you're not trying to win the offseason. You're trying to win during the season."

Braunecker cautioned yesterday that Burnett would probably not sign anywhere during the winter meetings, adding, "It's a possibility. I don't anticipate it at this point. It may be a phone call away."

Braunecker also said yesterday morning that about a half-dozen clubs have "significant mutual interest" in Burnett, including one team that had entered the fray in the previous 72 hours and one that has essentially been eliminated from the mix. The teams reported to be in on Burnett are the Yankees, Braves, Orioles, Blue Jays, and Phillies, with New York and Atlanta seemingly in the lead for his services. And those services will be pricey, with the righthander likely seeking a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million per year.

"I've maintained for the last two years, if he wants five years, he's getting five years," said Braunecker, who declined to comment on how many teams had made offers to Burnett at this point.

Burnett, who will be 32 in January, opted out of his deal with the Blue Jays this offseason to become a free agent, leaving two years and $24 million on the table. ESPN reported yesterday that the Braves have offered Burnett a four-year, $60 million deal that includes a buyout and a fifth-year option. The report said that Atlanta's overall package, including the option, is believed to be worth $75 million.

"I will tell you this: None of this is contingent on CC or the rest of the market," Braunecker said.

On offers that the team has made to free agents, Epstein would only say, "We've made offers. All those negotiations are still toward the beginning stage."

Burnett had an 18-10 record for the Blue Jays last season, and a 4.07 ERA in a career-high 221 1/3 innings. He had 231 strikeouts, leading the American League. He has struggled to stay on the field in the past, throwing more than 174 innings just three times in his 10 years in the major leagues. One team source downplayed concerns about Burnett's ability to stay in a rotation last month, indicating that clubs are not overly worried about that fact.

As for the biggest of the criteria Burnett wants in his next team, above geography? "Winning," Braunecker said.

That wouldn't be a problem for the Sox. But whether or not the Sox are dedicated enough to shell out the vast sums that Burnett will command will be hashed out in the coming days. Epstein said the Sox don't make a practice of checking in on every free agent just for the sake of checking in. Some level of interest is usually required. Though, of course, there's a wide gap between a meeting or discussions and an actual signing.

"It's good to be thorough," Epstein said. "But no, I don't see the need to be engaged or talk with every player. The ones that we like, it kind of makes sense to be involved. Even if you're not going to sign a player, you get a feel for what the market is like, a feel for what other teams are trying to do."

Amalie Benjamin can be reached at abenjamin@globe.com.