Epstein didn't want to create "Sox woo A-Rod" headlines, because the team did not seek out Boras. Rather, it was Boras making his pitch to one of the big-market teams that can afford Rodriguez.
"We went over all of our client list with them," said Boras last night. "I'll let them talk about the four-letter word [A-Rod]."
Boras, who said his meeting with the Red Sox lasted more than an hour, met with several teams and will meet with a few today before the meetings wrap up.
Boras's timing wasn't bad. After all, the Red Sox have not yet made an official commitment to bringing back third baseman Mike Lowell, who is also a free agent.
Though conversations have been ongoing between the Sox and Lowell's agents, the Lev inson brothers, Epstein indicated last night an agreement with Lowell at the meetings is highly unlikely.
Sam Levinson, when asked how talks with Epstein went yesterday said, "Great. But nothing to report." Epstein used words such as "hopeful" and "progress" in describing the talks.
According to major league sources, the Red Sox are willing to go three years on the 33-year-old Lowell.
In the meantime, the Sox are listening to other teams, including the Florida Marlins, who are peddling third baseman Miguel Cabrera in the hopes of landing prospects. The Sox like Cabrera, but may like him more as a first baseman.
Epstein certainly has heard the anti-A-Rod sentiment around Boston, but he also understands the magnitude of the player. Epstein always has enjoyed dialogue with Boras, who is the most prepared and thorough agent in the business. Boras's last client to opt out of a contract prior to Rodriguez was J.D. Drew, who left a five-year, $55 million deal with the Dodgers after two seasons, and signed a five-year, $70 million deal with Boston.
What Boras wants is to come out of any talks with a significant raise for his client.
Any team entering into talks with Boras - a list including the Mets, Angels, and Dodgers, with a possible sleeper in the Tigers - understands it will have to pay top dollar, but it will pay for a significant player, one of the most feared righthanded hitters in the game.
