Some life to a deal for Dye

Red Sox, White Sox still in discussions

July 31, 2007|Gordon Edes, Globe Staff

With the trading deadline this afternoon at 4 looming, the Red Sox were awaiting word back from potential trading partners on their proposals for an impact bat and reliever.

A major league source with direct knowledge of the talks between the Red Sox and White Sox said last night he believed there was "a good chance" the teams could come to an agreement this morning on a trade for outfielder Jermaine Dye. The White Sox were willing to take outfielder Wily Mo Peña as part of the deal, but as of yesterday the Red Sox were unwilling to include reliever Manny Delcarmen or highly regarded minor league pitching prospect Justin Masterson in a trade for Dye, a potential free agent after the season. But there were indications last night the Red Sox had made a revised offer for Dye that was under serious consideration by White Sox general manager Kenny Williams.

The White Sox did create an open spot on their 40-man roster when they placed catcher Gustavo Molina on waivers, which could be interpreted as a prelude to a deal in which Chicago would receive multiple players in return. Molina was claimed by the Orioles.

The biggest bat on the market, switch-hitting first baseman Mark Teixeira, was headed from Texas to the Atlanta Braves, according to numerous published reports, with the Braves parting with prized catching prospect Jason Saltalamacchia as the centerpiece of the package going back to Texas. The Red Sox had engaged the Rangers in talks for Teixeira, but those talks went nowhere after the Red Sox made it known they would not part with either outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury or righthander Clay Buchholz, the team's No. 1 pitching prospect.

The Braves also appeared on the verge of acquiring reliever Octavio Dotel from the Kansas City Royals, a pitcher the Red Sox seriously had considered signing last winter and also made a bid for in recent days. One major league scout said the Red Sox instead had focused their efforts on Eric Gagne of the Rangers and were on the verge of acquiring him, but that could not be corroborated as of late last night. Gagne has veto power over any deal to the Red Sox, and his contract includes incentives based on number of saves, which he would not meet if he is setting up Jonathan Papelbon in Boston.

Both New York teams, as well as the Brewers, have joined the Red Sox in pursuit of Gagne, and there were indications last night the Rangers were attempting to sign him to an extension.