Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett, John Lackey … and Joe Blanton?
Apparently, the 30-year-old righty was at least discussed by the Red Sox on Monday, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
The report said that the Phillies and Red Sox were "deep in discussions" regarding the right-hander. The Phillies, of course, will be welcoming Cliff Lee to their rotation, and reports indicated the team was willing to part with Blanton and pay part of the $17 million he is owed over the next two years.
The Red Sox, being a team that has had to pay several players to play for other teams over the past few years, were willing to at least consider it with Blanton, according to Rosenthal. Where Blanton would fit on a Red Sox team that already has six starters (the four above, plus Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield) is another story.
In his career, Blanton is 72-60 with a 4.30 ERA. In the past two-plus seasons with Philly, he's 25-14 with a 4.38 ERA.
Red Sox fans remember him fondly, as he was the pitcher who allowed Daniel Nava to hit a grand slam on Nava's first major league pitch last June.
Update, 8:49 a.m.: SI.com's Jon Heyman reported that a "deal is in place." For more details, click here.
Update, 9:19 a.m.: Two reports now say there is no deal. Find out more by clicking here.
