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MLB Trade Deadline Live Blog: Red Sox Trade Matt Albers, Scott Podsednik for Craig Breslow

5:12 p.m.: We'll try and confirm this rumor for you.

BREAKING: everyone on the #RedSox to receive Tommy John during off season.

— Jessica Chahanovich (@RedSoxChach) July 31, 2012

5:07 p.m.: Yes, the Pirates did in fact acquire Qualls for third baseman Casey McGehee.

Most inexplicable trade of the deadline: Anything for Chad Qualls

— jonahkeri (@jonahkeri) July 31, 2012

4:50 p.m.: It appears that the Cubs have received right-hander Kyle Hendricks and infielder Carlos Villanueva in exchange for Dempster. That's a boon for the Rangers, as they're able to hold onto shortstop Jurickson Profar and third baseman Mike Olt.

4:30 p.m.: We'll wait to see if anything else filters in here, but it was an interesting trade deadline, even if many of the biggest names tossed around didn't end up changing teams.

Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence and Ryan Dempster were the big fish to move on the final day — Victorino to the Dodgers, Pence to the Giants and Dempster to the Rangers.

We also saw the likes of Hanley Ramirez and Zack Greinke move leading up to Tuesday's deadline day, though, meaning there's plenty of names to keep an eye on down the stretch — even if Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee and Josh Johnson are staying put.

The hometown team didn't make any huge splashes, with Craig Breslow being the lone pickup. The Red Sox sent out Matt Albers and Scott Podsednik to make that happen, and they've reportedly traded Lars Anderson to the Indians for a minor league pitcher.

Like I said, deals could still come in, so keep checking back. Also, be sure to bounce around NESN.com throughout the evening for more up-to-the-minute news and analysis.

At this time, I'll be handing the live blog over to my esteemed colleague Zach Stoloff, who will keep you up to speed on whatever else the night brings. If you'd like, feel free to follow yours truly on Twitter @TheRickyDoyle, because the party never stops.

4:20 p.m.: It looks like Lars Anderson might also be departing Boston. He'll be going to Cleveland for a minor league pitcher, according to CSNNE.com's Sean McAdam.

4:11 p.m.: Sherman is reporting now that the Yankees have, in fact, traded reliever Chad Qualls for infielder Casey McGehee.

4:09 p.m.: The Yankees may have snuck in a trade under the gun. The New York Post's Joel Sherman is working to confirm, but the Yankees were reportedly talking with the Pirates about trading Chad Qualls for Casey McGehee.

4:06 p.m.: FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Cubs will receive two Class-A pitchers in exchange for Dempster.

4:03 p.m.: Others are now confirming Olney's report that Ryan Dempster is going to the Rangers. It's a move that definitely boosts Texas' rotation, but one has to wonder how much of a difference-maker he'll be in the American League.

4 p.m.: It took until the closing moments, but ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Rangers have landed Ryan Dempster.

3:58 p.m.: Shin-Soo Choo is expected to remain with the Indians, according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.

3:56 p.m.: The Dodgers are out on Dempster, but the Yankees are still talking to the Cubs, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

3:50 p.m.: Ryan Dempster won't be going to the Dodgers, according to The Los Angeles Times' Dylan Hernandez. The Dodgers are reportedly out on Dempster, and will not be making any other moves today.

If this ends up being true, it ends a busy trade deadline for the Dodgers. They acquired Shane Victorino this afternoon, while also adding Hanley Ramirez, Randy Choate and Brandon League in previous days.

Hernandez is also reporting that the Dodgers made a late push for Twins left-hander Glen Perkins, but nothing materialized.

3:48 p.m.: Josh Johnson is another name we haven't heard much of this afternoon, and it looks like he's staying in Miami. FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reports the Marlins ace will not be traded.

3:42 p.m.: Chase Headley and Stephen Drew are two guys we haven't heard much of here in the final hour. Again, there's still time, but it wouldn't be surprising to see either of them stay put.

3:39 p.m.: There's still time to wheel and deal, although ESPN.com's Gordon Edes is reporting that it's unlikely the Red Sox will be involved in any more transactions before 4 p.m.

3:36 p.m.: We're in the final half hour now. Don't go anywhere when the clock strikes 4, though. That's the deadline for paperwork to be filed to the league, and we've seen deals come in after 4 o'clock in the past. Think Manny Ramirez.

3:30 p.m.: FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Jonathan Broxton is going to the Reds.

3:26 p.m.: To follow up on a previous report, it doesn't look like Denard Span will be joining the Reds. CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports a deal for the outfielder isn't happening between Minnesota and Cincinnati.

3:25 p.m.: The Orioles are reportedly in on Broxton as well, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

3:22 p.m.: And here comes Jonathan Broxton's name. The Reds and Giants are trying to pry the closer away from the Royals, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden.

Broxton, of course, was a huge question mark entering this season, but he's been a nice surprise with Kansas City and could go a long way toward bolstering someone's bullpen.

3:19 p.m.: Alfonso Soriano appears to be staying in Chicago. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Cubs have said Soriano is likely staying put, although things could reportedly change in August when he clears waivers.

3:16 p.m.: Alfonso Soriano's name is becoming increasingly popular as we hit the 45-minute mark. CSNChicago.com's David Kaplan is reporting that the Tigers and Cubs are hard at work on a deal for the outfielder.

The Tigers were believed to be in the market for a middle-of-the-order bat earlier in the day, and while Soriano isn't the player he once was, he's putting together a nice campaign and remains somewhat of a power threat. Soriano has 19 jacks and 61 RBIs this season.

According to Kaplan, money could end up being the big hold-up in a potential deal.

3:12 p.m.: We've seen crazy things happen in the closing moments of the trade deadline, but it's worth noting that Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kelly Shoppach are both plugged into Boston's starting lineup tonight, and Josh Beckett is still tapped as tonight's starting pitcher.

All three of those guys' names were tossed around in rumors over the past 24 hours, so their presence in the lineup could indicate that a deal is unlikely in the final hour.

3:10 p.m.: It looks like Gaby Sanchez will be going from Miami to Pittsburgh, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden.

Sanchez has had a rough season and could benefit from a change of scenery with the Pirates.

3:01 p.m.: It looks like Breslow will indeed be joining the Red Sox.

FOXSportsArizona.com's Jack Magruder is also reporting the deal, tweeting that the Red Sox will be shipping Matt Albers and Scott Podsednik to the Diamondbacks in exchange for the reliever.

The thinking is likely that this move allows Franklin Morales to move back into the rotation if needed. Lefty relievers like Breslow are always valued this time of year, even if they're not the sexiest additions.

2:54 p.m.: It looks like the Red Sox may be on the verge of a trade as we get ready to hit the final hour before the 4 p.m. deadline.

According to The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo, the Sox may be acquiring left-handed reliever Craig Breslow.

Breslow, of course, pitched for the Red Sox in 2006. This season, he's 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 40 games with the Diamondbacks. The lefty boasts a 3.02 ERA in his seven-year major league career.

Keep in mind, nothing is yet official. But the report is at least out there at this moment.

2:50 p.m.: Big trade to report! OK, not really, but it's a deal, nonetheless.

Peter Gammons reports that the Cardinals have received Edward Mujica in exchange for Zack Cox.

2:48 p.m.: Don't count out the Dodgers on Dempster just yet. They're still in on the 35-year-old righty, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Meanwhile, the Cubs would likely eat most of Dempster's salary if he's sent to the Yankees, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

2:43 p.m.: The Yankees have confirmed discussions with the Cubs about Ryan Dempster, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden. That's the first confirmation we've heard from the Yankees side of things, so clearly landing Dempster isn't out of the realm of possibility.

The Yankees did not confirm that Dempster would waive his 10-5 rights, but ESPN.com's Bruce Levine reports that Dempster said he would accept a trade there, as well as to the Rangers and Dodgers.

2:39 p.m.: Back to the Blanton-Orioles talk. Apparently, the Phillies hurler isn't the only player the O's are targeting leading up to the 4 p.m. deadline. According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, Baltimore is also seeking a reliever while exploring other rotation options.

2:29 p.m.: One hurdle in any potential Ryan Dempster trade is getting him to agree to the deal. Dempster would approve a deal to the Yankees, however, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.

2:27 p.m.: The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo is reporting that the Red Sox are exploring a hitter and a reliever (preferably left-handed).

2:14 p.m.: The Hunter Pence deal is official. Pence heads to the Giants in exchange for Nate Schierholtz, Tommy Joseph and Seth Rosen.

2:11 p.m.: FOX Sports' Jon Morosi is now reporting that he and his colleague, Ken Rosenthal, have also been told that the Yankees and Cubs have discussed Dempster.

We'll see if these talks go anywhere, but it's no secret that New York could use a starting pitcher. Dempster might be a gutsy choice, though, as his track record is a bit sporadic despite the superb season.

2:04 p.m.: The Yankees surfaced earlier as a potential suitor for Ryan Dempster, but it was then reported that they weren't involved in any discussions for the Cubs hurler. Well, the flip-flopping continues.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Cubs are engaged in "heavy discussions" with the Yankees about Dempster, while also talking to the Dodgers and Rangers.

2:00 p.m.: FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal is also reporting that the Diamondbacks are trying to land a big-time starting pitcher.

1:58 p.m.: The Reds and Twins are now jumping onto the deadline map, discussing a trade involving Denard Span, according to CBSSports.com's Scott Miller. Miller reports that he's hearing there's a 50/50 chance of a deal happening.

1:57 p.m.: The Nationals remain a possibility for Kelly Shoppach if the Red Sox deal the backstop, according to CBSSports.com's Dany Knobler.

1:56 p.m.: ESPN's Jim Bowden reports that other teams have jump in on the Ryan Dempster sweepstakes, and that there's a "serious game of chicken" going on between the Cubs and Dodgers at this point.

1:54 p.m.: Joe Blanton-to-the-Orioles is gaining steam again, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. Connolly reports that at least one source he spoke with said it would now be a surprise if the O's didn't land Blanton.

1:51 p.m.: ESPN's Jim Bowden has taken Olney's report regarding the D-Backs and Cubs a step further, saying that Justin Upton is not part of any Matt Garza trade negotiations.

1:39 p.m.: The James Shields chatter had died down a bit in recent days, but don't close the book on it just yet.

According to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi, the Rays and Rangers have had discussions about a trade involving Shields.

1:37 p.m.: I noted a little while ago a report stating that Diamondbacks executives were having a closed door meeting. ESPN's Buster Olney is now reporting that the D-Backs are working hard on something big.

Olney notes that a Matt Garza-Justin Upton framework makes sense for both sides, but the Cubs are reportedly on Upton's no-trade list.

1:33 p.m.: While it looked like Ryan Dempster would trade Cubs blue for Dodger blue, that too isn't a done deal, and there's reportedly still some hold-ups.

CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler tweeted that the Cubs have long wanted pitching prospect Allen Webster in any deal, but the Dodgers aren't budging.

"We'll see who blinks," Knobler says. Not us — stay right here.

1:29 p.m.: The Hunter Pence deal isn't 100 percent official yet, but CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman is hearing that the Phillies will receive Tommy Joseph and outfielder Nate Schierholtz in the deal, with a pitcher potentially being the third element in a 3-for-1 swap.

1:05 p.m.: The Dodgers and Giants have traded blows, which means the D-Backs are on the outside looking in at this point. It's as if there's a deadline party, and Arizona isn't invited.

We'll see how long this ends up being the case, though, as FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Diamondbacks executives are meeting behind closed doors at a hotel in Los Angeles. Mysterious.

We'll see if the D-Backs decide to up the ante and go after an ace starting pitcher, which there's been some conflicting reports about throughout the morning/afternoon.

12:58 p.m.: Details are still coming out about a potential Hunter Pence deal, but it looks like the Phillies would be receiving minor league catcher/first baseman Tommy Joseph as part of the trade, according to CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler.

Pence is eligible for free agency after 2013. He's hitting .271 with 17 home runs and 59 RBIs this season.

12:55 p.m.: The Dodgers have officially announced the Shane Victorino deal. Figured you'd like to know.

12:50 p.m.: Josh Beckett's name has popped up again out on the Twitterverse. Nothing new to really report, though.

WEEI.com's Rob Bradford tweets that the Red Sox and Rangers are "definitely" not going to revisit any Beckett discussions before today's deadline. That's in line with the reports of late last night, which indicated that Boston will not deal away the right-hander.

Bradford tweets that there's a possibility the two sides could revisit talks prior to the waiver deadline.

12:41 p.m.: A couple of Red Sox updates for all you Bostonians.

ESPN.com's Joe McDonald reports that Ryan Kalish is on his way to Boston. That's likely just the result of Ryan Sweeney's injury, however.

Meanwhile, the Boston Herald's Michael Silverman reports that the Brewers are not in on Kelly Shoppach, which contradicts a previous report stating Milwaukee and Washington were interested in the Boston catcher.

12:32 p.m.: It looks like Ryan Dempster is finally getting his wish and heading to Los Angeles. ESPN's Jim Bowden reports that the final dotting of I's and crossing of T's is being worked on.

It's been a wild hour for the Dodgers, who have now reportedly acquired both Dempster and Victorino while watching the rival Giants reportedly scoop up Hunter Pence.

12:30 p.m.: Developments are coming fast and furious right now, as it appears Hunter Pence is, in fact, on his way to the Giants.

CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman is reporting the deal.

12:26 p.m.: The Dodgers might not be done dealing either. ESPN's Jim Bowden reports that the Dodgers and Cubs are finally closing in on a Ryan Dempster deal.

We've really seen an increase in activity over the past hour or so, and most of it is out in the NL West.

12:22 p.m.: It didn't take long for the Giants to counter the deadline punch thrown by the Dodgers. The Giants are nearing a deal for Hunter Pence, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.

The Phillies are really playing a hilarious role in all of this. It's like they're trying to start a fight between the two clubs for their own personal amusement. Classic little kid move.

12 p.m.: As the clock strikes noon, it looks like Shane Victorino is finally ready to become a Dodger.

Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown reports that the Phillies have traded Victorino to the Dodgers in exchange for Josh Lindblom and Ethan Martin.

Not really a surprise there since a deal has been speculated all morning, but it's the first report that a deal has actually been completed.

11:57 a.m.: There's still plenty of time for things to pick up in Boston, but it's pretty quiet on the Red Sox trade front as the clock gets ready to strike high noon.

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reports that Sox GM Ben Cherington said via text message that the club is "not engaged in escalated trade talks" at this hour.

11:42 a.m.: The Orioles are an interesting team in all of this. They enter Tuesday's action just two back of a wild card spot. According to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com, the O's were sent medicals on Joe Blanton, as well as two Phillies minor leaguers. Busy day in Philly.

11:37 a.m.: When your middle of the order consists of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, typically you wouldn't consider that an area of need. However, it's now just a "50/50" shot that Victor Martinez — who was expected to return as soon as late August — returns to the Detroit lineup at all this season, meaning the Tigers are looking for a middle-of-the-order bat, according to CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler.

11:29 a.m.: We're roughly 4 1/2 hours away from the big 4 p.m. deadline, and there's still plenty of rumors flying. You guys tired yet?

CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports that he's hearing the chances of Chase Headley getting dealt is at "50/50." He lists the Indians, Orioles, Pirates, Athletics and Yankees (longshot) as potential suitors.

11:22 a.m.: Well, the belief of many was that a Shane Victorino deal would spell the end of the Hunter Pence trade talk. That's hardly the case, however.

CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury is reporting that Hunter Pence could still go to San Francisco.

It's also interesting to note that Domonic Brown has been scratched from the lineup in his Triple-A game, which presumably means he'll join the big club in Philly in the wake of a deal. That could be the biggest indication that a Victorino trade is nearing completion.

11:19 a.m.: Travis Snider is now a member of the Pirates, and his first order of business is learning how to spell Pittsburgh. Snider's first tweets as a member of the Bucs included him addressing "Pittsburg."

Hey, the guy was excited and he noticed his mistake, so we'll give him a free pass.

11:10 a.m.: ESPN's Jayson Stark is the latest to toss Jarrod Saltalamacchia's name into the trade mix, doing so on SportsCenter. ESPN's Jim Bowden tweeted earlier that the Red Sox may consider dealing the catcher in an effort to pave the way for Ryan Lavarnway, thus getting younger in the process. This should all be taken with a grain of salt at this point, though.

10:56 a.m.: The Rangers could still have interest in Matt Garza, but FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Texas finds the quality of available starting pitchers to be "minimal." With that said, the Rangers could wait until the August waiver period, and then reassess the market.

10:52 a.m.: At this point, by all accounts, it looks like Shane Victorino-to-the-Dodgers might just be a matter of time. Numerous reports state that a deal is close.

A couple of interesting sidenotes of a potential Victorino deal, however, come from ESPN's Jayson Stark. Starks tweeted that a Victorino trade almost certainly ends the possibility of the Phillies dealing Hunter Pence before this winter because they're now short on outfielders. He followed that up by saying that the Victorino deal would also mean Alfonso Soriano won't be attached to any Ryan Dempster trade between the Cubs and Dodgers.

10:45 a.m.: ESPN's Jim Bowden is reporting on Twitter that the biggest name the Sox may move today is "Jarrod Saltallamchia." No telling whether that particular Jarrod is familiar with Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

10:37 a.m.: The Cubs have traded Geovany Soto to the Rangers. Oh, wait, you already knew that?

Well, the two teams finally made the deal — which was widely reported Monday night — official. Soto heads to Texas along with cash in exchange for pitcher Jake Brigham and a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Nope, not Johnny Cash. Not Kevin Cash. Not even the Cash Money Millionaires. Just cold hard Cash, my friends.

10:26 a.m.: The Yankees might not be in on Ryan Dempster after all.

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Yankees are telling teams that, contrary to reports, they're not in on the Cubs right-hander.

Welcome to the trade deadline, everyone.

10:22 a.m.: We've got an update on the Matt Garza front. The Cubs are discussing the gutsy right-hander with the Rangers and two other teams, sources tell CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.

The Cubbies could reportedly elect to hold on to Garza, though, as he's under team control through the 2013 season. In fact, that's part of what makes him so appealing to other clubs.

Heyman goes on to report that the Reds are believed to have some interest in Garza, and the Blue Jays have spoken with the Cubs as well.

10:01 a.m.: It might only be a matter of time before Victorino becomes a Dodger. CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports that a deal between the Phillies and Dodgers is looking very likely, while ESPN's Jayson Stark is reporting that Los Angeles is close to acquiring the veteran outfielder in exchange for Josh Lindblom and a second player.

The action, as expected, is coming fast and furious this morning. A lot of coffee could be in the cards.

9:53 a.m.: You hear that? That's the Yankees suddenly making a little noise.

The Yanks have joined the Dodgers and Rangers in pursuit of Ryan Dempster, according to CSNChicago.com's David Kaplan. Dempster (who has 10-5 rights) would reportedly approve a deal to any of those three teams if the Cubs can agree to a suitable return in exchange for the veteran righty.

The Dodgers have long been linked to Dempster, but the Yankees and Rangers have reportedly stepped up their pursuit over the past 48 hours.

The Rangers are reportedly also looking at Matt Garza in the wake of another subpar outing by Roy Oswalt.

9:45 a.m.: It's looking more and more like the Flyin' Hawaiian could be taking flight.

CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies and Dodgers are in serious talks about Shane Victorino. The Giants and Reds were reportedly also in the mix, but the Phillies are focusing on the Dodgers at this time, and they reportedly want relievers in return.

Victorino, of course, has spent the last eight years in Philly.

Fun fact: Victorino was actually drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round of the 1999 draft. Bet'cha didn't know that!

9:37 a.m.: Well, here's something you rarely come across at this time of year. The Yankees are quiet at the moment, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

The Bronx Bombers have reportedly been trying to acquire a "defense-first type" to help at third base.

9:27 a.m.: Kelly Shoppach has been a very respectable backup to Jarrod Saltalamacchia this season, but when you have Ryan Lavarnway waiting in the wings down in Pawtucket, fans are always going to start talking.

The Brewers and Nationals apparently think the Red Sox could consider dealing Shoppach, as they have interest in the 32-year-old backstop, according to The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo.

9:23 a.m.: Classic trade deadline stuff already.

After a report surfaced stating that the Diamondbacks were looking to swing a blockbuster deal for an ace starting pitcher, another report has surfaced that sort of contradicts the initial report. Classic mix-up.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the D-Backs say Justin Upton is definitely staying, and that there is no truth to rumors of Cliff Lee or Felix Hernandez. That doesn't completely rule out the possibility of a "blockbuster" for a "starting ace," I suppose, but those hurlers seem like the two who would fit that bill. Plus, you have to think Upton would have been a part of any such megadeal.

Nightengale also reports that the Diamondbacks are likely to part with shortstop Stephen Drew before today's deadline.

9:07 a.m.: Felix Hernandez is….probably not being traded.

That's the impression CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman gets from Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, who reportedly said there's "no change on my Felix thoughts.'' No change, of course, would mean King Felix stays put.

9:00 a.m.: It's 9 o'clock, do you know where your links are?

Thought now might be a good time to share some recent stories we've posted here at NESN.com. One gallery details the Red Sox' activity at the trade deadline since 2000, while the other is a glimpse of how some teams should approach the hours leading up to today's buzzer.

Enjoy. This one's on the house.

Click here to relive the Red Sox' trade deadlines since 2000 >>

Click here to see which teams should be buyers and sellers >>

8:53 a.m.: Shane Victorino's name is reportedly still popping up in trade chatter. CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies are looking for a "reliever/plus" in exchange for the Flyin' Hawaiian.

8:45 a.m.: Ryan Dempster's name will undoubtedly be a hot topic leading up to the 4 p.m. deadline. He's a guy that appeared to be on his way to Atlanta just last week. Now, there's some question as to whether or not he'll end up getting dealt.

The latest on him comes from CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, who reports that as of late Monday, nothing was close between the Dodgers and Cubs. This comes after FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported that Dempster "remains adamant that he will only approve a trade to the Dodgers."

Ah, the beauty of 10-5 rights.

8:20 a.m.: Interesting development surrounding the Arizona Diamondbacks this morning. The D-Backs, who have the same record as the Red Sox, are trying to swing a blockbuster deal for an "unknown ace starting pitcher," according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

It's unclear who exactly that ace is, or even who we can slap the "ace" label on nowadays, so trying to pinpoint their target is nearly impossible. Cliff Lee, Felix Hernandez and Josh Johnson are three names that have been tossed around like rag dolls lately, though, so perhaps it's one of them. Again, pure speculation. Then again, who doesn't love speculation?

In that same speculation vein, one would assume Justin Upton would have to be part of any deal for a starting ace. I've been wrong before, but it seems like a safe bet.

8:05 a.m.: One name to keep an eye on today is Justin Masterson. The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reported on Twitter Monday that the Red Sox remain interested in the Cleveland right-hander despite seeing him "at his worst" recently. Presumably, Cafardo is referring to Masterson's last start on Saturday, when he allowed 10 runs (eight earned) in 5 2/3 innings against the Twins. According to CBS Sports' Danny Knobler, the Sox had a scout on hand for that start.

Even if the Red Sox don't pull the trigger on a deal for Masterson, other teams could be interested in the righty, as he's under team control through 2014 after coming off the first offseason in which he was arbitration eligible.

Masterson, who had a solid season in 2011, has struggled for the most part this year. ESPN's Jayson Stark is reporting that he is "definitely on the market," though.

7:55 a.m.: Now that everyone's finally gotten up after the 11th snooze, the eye boogers are out and the coffee's poured, it's time to get you caught up on some late-night/early-morning happenings.

First, there's been plenty of speculation regarding the hometown team in recent days, particularly involving Josh Beckett. ESPN.com's Gordon Edes is reporting, however, that the Red Sox will not trade Beckett before Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline. WEEI.com's Alex Speier reports that a trade of the right-hander is "unlikely."

In other words, don't expect Beckett to be packing his bags any time soon.

Red Sox fans also shouldn't expect to see last year's MVP runner-up, Jacoby Ellsbury, go anywhere. Edes reports that while the club fielded numerous inquiries about the outfielder's availability, the Sox have no plans to trade him at this time.

7:30 a.m. ET: Well, here we are.

After weeks and months of trade speculation, we've finally stumbled upon the big day. The MLB trade deadline will come and go at 4 p.m. ET this afternoon.

There's still a lot that could happen between now and then, however — as we've seen in the past. Then, of course, there's the period immediately after the deadline passes, when we wait to see if any other last-second deals were consummated.

NESN.com will be here for all of your trade deadline needs this morning, afternoon and evening. Heck, we'll be here for the rest of eternity. Consider us like a BJ's or sorts; a one-stop shop capable of providing all that you're looking for. We'll have rumors, analysis, commentary and maybe a dash of humor and ruggedness for good measure.

So stick around here throughout the day for all of your up-to-the-minute news. Come on, you at least need an excuse to slack off a little bit, right?