The Red Sox were briefly involved in trade talks with the Rockies on Matt Holliday, according to a major league source, but bowed out once they heard Colorado's steep asking price.

One could only imagine what the Rockies were seeking from the Sox given that they settled on an Oakland A's package of reliever Huston Street, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, and pitcher Greg Smith. What would be the equivalent? Justin Masterson or Manny Delcarmen? Jacoby Ellsbury? Either Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden? You can bet those players likely were discussed.

The Red Sox certainly would have had the resources to sign Holliday long-term, and agent Scott Boras likely would have preferred Boston over Oakland as a destination. Of course, there's always the possibility Oakland flips him at the trading deadline next July if the A's not contending for a wild card/or AL West title.