According to WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford, the Red Sox had conversations with the Marlins about acquiring both shortstop Jose Reyes and pitcher Josh Johnson — and were also willing to take on utilityman Emilio Bonifacio if necessary. However, the Sox reportedly were unwilling to talk further because of the likelihood that top prospect Xander Bogaerts would need to be included in such a deal.

The rest is history. Reyes, Johnson and Bonifacio were dealt — along with Mark Buehrle and John Buck — to the Blue Jays in what was a huge offseason overhaul for both Miami and Toronto. The Red Sox, meanwhile, brought in a number of mid-tier free agents.

Johnson told WEEI.com that he had his wife on high alert during the 2012 season, sensing that a trade was possible. Once the trade deadline passed and the season eventually ended, though, Johnson didn’t hear trade rumors, so he was caught off guard a bit by the news that he was headed to Toronto.

Johnson admitted that he did ask around in 2012 about what it would be like to play in Boston. The man he turned to was old friend Cody Ross, who spent the 2012 season with the Red Sox before signing with the Diamondbacks in the offseason.

“I had a good buddy on the team, Cody Ross. Just talking to him, he said I would love it,” Johnson reportedly said. “We went to dinner when [Boston] was in Miami. There was just small talk, joking around, like, ‘You would like it here.’ Stuff like that.”

The Red Sox and Blue Jays obviously find themselves on complete opposite ends of the spectrum to begin this season. The Sox enter Thursday’s game with a 19-8 record, while the Jays are in the basement of the American League East with a 10-18 mark. Johnson has struggled mightily in four starts and Reyes has been on the disabled list.

Surely, the Red Sox have no regrets with their decision to hang up the phone.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Facebook/Jose Reyes

Alfredo Aceves

Aceves is expected to have a prominent role on the Red Sox pitching staff as a long reliever/spot starter, but there was still some speculation during spring training that Boston could eventually decide to deal him away. While it’s unclear if the Sox ever considered such a move, a few teams had interest in Aceves, according to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.

As Cafardo points out, though, Daniel Bard‘s situation, coupled with the injuries to Franklin Morales and Craig Breslow, made it impossible for the Red Sox to pull the trigger on a trade. Aceves is simply too important to the team’s bullpen right now, even if his behavior sometimes rubs people the wrong way.

Aceves went 2-10 with a 5.36 ERA in 2012, but he proved to be a very important pitcher for the Sox the year before. The 30-year-old went 10-2 with a 2.61 ERA in 2011 while pitching for the club in various roles.

A few teams had interest in Alfredo Aceves but Bard's situation coupled by injuries to Morales and breslow made a deal impossible

—
Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) March 31, 2013

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

According to Scout.com’s Kiley McDaniel, the Red Sox have jumped to the front of the line when it comes to Devers, who is among the 16-year-old international prospects that MLB teams can start signing on July 2.

American, Canadian and Puerto Rican players can be drafted at age 17 or 18 — once they graduate from high school — but players from other countries can be drafted at age 16. Often times, they are. For example, the Seattle Mariners signed Felix Hernandez as soon as he turned 16. Clearly, that worked out well.

Obviously, a player as elite as Hernandez is rare, but the former Cy Young winner serves as proof that it’s important for teams to keep an eye on what 16-year-old international players will become available to sign once July 2 rolls around.

According to McDaniel, Devers is a 6-foot, 195-pounder who hits left-handed and throws right-handed. McDaniel reports that he was told before scouting Devers that the Dominican is the best hitter in this class, and it’s something that McDaniel has since confirmed.

McDaniel reports that the Red Sox are “hot on Devers’ trail for a seven-figure bonus other teams are unlikely to top.” Devers reportedly lacks projection at this point, although McDaniel considers his upside to be as an “everyday third baseman.”

Have a look at Devers taking batting practice and hitting during an at-bat in the videos below. Then, click the link below that for a more detailed scouting report from Scout.com.

Click here to read more about Devers >>

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Chris Young

Young, who was an All-Star as a member of the Padres in 2007, had been pitching for the Nationals this spring, but the club granted him his release on Tuesday. Young reportedly “loved” playing with the Nationals, but he exercised his opt-out clause in the hopes of securing a major league contract elsewhere.

Realizing that Young would soon hit the open market, a number of teams sent scouts to Young’s start against the Astros on Monday. Those teams included the Red Sox, Orioles, Blue Jays, Twins, Indians, Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers and Mets, according to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal.

The Washington Post’s Adam Kilgore reports that the Nats are “hopeful, if not optimistic,” that they can lure Young back if he doesn’t find a major league deal elsewhere, but the 33-year-old has put together a rather impressive spring.

Young made four starts and allowed five runs (four earned) in 16 innings (2.25 ERA) before his release. He held opposing hitters to a .193 average, and he didn’t allow a run in his last nine innings.

Young made 20 starts with the Mets last season, and went 4-9 with a 4.15 ERA. The righty notched back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2005 and 2006, before then earning the All-Star nod while going 9-8 with a 3.12 ERA in 2007.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Wikipedia/Chris Young

According to Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan, the Yankees and Angels are closing in on a trade that would send Wells and a large amount of cash to New York.

It’s important to note that Wells has a no-trade clause, although the 34-year-old reportedly has let the Angels know that he will accept the deal. Passan reports that the two teams are crossing T’s and dotting I’s at this point, and that the deal will soon become official.

What’s unclear, however, is how much money the Angels will be sending along with Wells. The underachieving veteran is set to make $42 million over the next two seasons, so it’s reasonable to assume they’ll be sending over a good chunk of change. Passan said via Twitter, however, that he’s hearing that the amount of money going back to New York is not nearly as significant as one might think.

According to Passan, one Yankees official said, “I just wonder where this money was in December.”

Wells certainly hasn’t lived up to the massive seven-year, $126 million contract extension he signed while with the Blue Jays prior to the 2007 season. The three-time All-Star has been selected to one All-Star Game since inking the new deal, and he’s been very underwhelming during the last two seasons with Los Angeles.

Wells hit .230 with 11 home runs and 29 RBIs in 77 games with the Angels last season. He became even more expendable when the Halos signed Josh Hamilton earlier this offseason.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Wikipedia/Vernon Wells

General manager Ben Cherington should ultimately use that line of reasoning in determining Andrew Bailey’s short-term future with the club.

Bailey’s name has been the subject of trade speculation ever since the Red Sox acquired Joel Hanrahan earlier this offseason and subsequently anointed the former Pirates closer the new ninth-inning man in Boston. Perhaps the rumors are just that, but the Rangers reportedly spoke with the Red Sox about Bailey, so it’s obvious that there’s at least some level of interest in the 28-year-old right-hander.

There’s been this assumption in the wake of the Hanrahan trade that the Red Sox could be willing to part ways with Bailey, who is slated to make $4.1 million this season. Upon the club signing Koji Uehara, another late-inning reliever, the gossip only seemed to intensify. But while the bullpen appears to be an area of depth for the Red Sox, the club should be in no rush to compromise that depth, unless it means significantly improving in another area. That seems unlikely, and therefore the Red Sox should hang up the phone faster than they picked it up when it comes to discussing a trade involving Bailey.

A recent FOXSports.com report suggested that the Red Sox could satisfy the Tigers’ desire to add late-inning relief help by trading them Bailey in exchange for starter Rick Porcello, who will earn a similar salary in 2013. That’s nice in that Porcello would give the Red Sox some added starting pitching depth, but why deal someone who could have an integral, carved-out role in pressure situations for someone who will more or less serve as a sixth starter? Wouldn’t Bailey, who has the ability to shorten games for Boston, hold much more value?

It’s understandable that Bailey’s name has come up, simply because of the big, ol’ elephant in the room. Bailey was a two-time All-Star while closing out games in Oakland, and surely he expected to resume such a role in Boston before Hanrahan was given the keys to the ninth. But Bailey has been the consummate professional throughout the entire transition, and it appears he’s more than willing to take on an eighth-inning setup role, with Uehara also working in a similar capacity.

The Red Sox should embrace Bailey’s willingness rather than fight it, and to their credit, they have. The club has a very formidable trio in place at the back end of the bullpen, and it’s one of the reasons that contending this season isn’t outside the realm of possibility. Therefore, to insist that the Sox rush into a deal or to label Bailey as “expendable” involves a failure to recognize the current strength of that unit.

The biggest reason that the Orioles were able to surprise everyone and reach the postseason in 2012 was because of the strength and depth of their bullpen. The O’s were 29-9 in one-run games and 16-2 in extra-inning games, which is obviously a reflection of being able to shut down opponents late in ballgames. By comparison, the Red Sox were 17-22 in one-run games and 2-10 in extra-inning games.

Five of the top seven teams in bullpen ERA made the playoffs in 2012, and six of the top seven in bullpen WHIP punched their tickets to the postseason. Obviously, there are plenty of factors that impact those numbers, including the performance of the starters, who must ensure that the bullpen isn’t taxed night in and night out. It’s still difficult to downplay the importance of a strong relief corps, though, especially coming off a season like 2012, in which the Red Sox were plagued by inconsistent starting pitching that led to Boston compiling the eighth-most bullpen innings in baseball.

If the Red Sox get blown away by a trade offer for Bailey, then, of course, they’d probably consider it, but that’s the case with any player. For now, the Sox are best served keeping what has the potential to be a dangerous, three-headed monster in place.

The phone can keep ringing with calls about Bailey, but expect the Red Sox to keep pressing “ignore.”

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Andrew Bailey

The Rangers are looking for bullpen help, and Bailey may be of interest to them, according to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan. The Rangers and Red Sox reportedly have spoken this spring, although it’s unclear to what extent.

Bailey became the subject of plenty of trade speculation this offseason after manager John Farrell announced that the recently acquired Joel Hanrahan would be Boston’s closer in 2013. Bailey was originally tapped to be the team’s closer, but he’ll instead serve in a setup role.

Bailey, who is set to make $4.1 million this year, served as Oakland’s closer for three seasons before being traded to the Red Sox, so his name is a popular one to toss around when it comes to teams in need of relief help. Only adding to the speculation is the fact that the bullpen figures to be an area of depth for the Red Sox this season.

The Rangers are reportedly concerned about their right-handed setup relief behind Joe Nathan and Jason Frasor.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Lyle Overbay

Scouts from the Yankees have been watching Overbay closely, according to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.

As Cafardo points out, the Yankees could need a left-handed bat to complement Juan Rivera at first base. Mark Teixeira, of course, will start the season on the disabled list because of a wrist injury, and we learned recently that the injury may be even worse than originally thought.

Overbay, who the Red Sox signed to a minor league deal this offseason, could opt out of his contract on Tuesday. The Sox would need to pay Overbay $100,000 if they didn’t want to keep him on the major league roster but wanted to send him to the minors — per the new collective bargaining agreement.

Overbay was signed to compete for the job of backup first baseman behind Mike Napoli. The team later added Mike Carp, though, and the two have both been trying to prove themselves since.

Overbay is batting .222 (8-for-36) with seven RBIs, six walks and a .341 on-base percentage this spring.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Rick Porcello

We learned early Wednesday that the Red Sox don’t appear to be pursuing Porcello, but FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Sox were among the teams scouting the right-hander’s most recent start. The Padres, Rangers, Orioles, Dodgers and Cardinals reportedly were also represented when Porcello pitched in a game between High-A affiliates of the Tigers and Astros on Wednesday.

Keep in mind that this development doesn’t necessarily mean the Red Sox will jump into the mix for Porcello. While they could seek pitching depth, they might instead consider options that wouldn’t require them to part ways with any real talent. The Tigers seem to be looking for a decent return in exchange for Porcello, who is still young and who could still evolve into a very solid major league starter with a bit more consistency.

Porcello went 10-12 with a 4.59 ERA in 31 starts for the Tigers last season. He holds a 48-42 record and a 4.55 ERA in 120 career starts.

ESPN’s Jim Bowden reports that the Padres have turned down two offers from the Tigers. The Padres reportedly declined to deal Huston Street or Luke Gregerson for Porcello.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Facebook/Kevin.Ward

Chien-Ming Wang

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that Wang has agreed to work out at the team’s minor league complex as New York contemplates signing the 32-year-old hurler, according to the New York Daily News. Wang’s agent, Alan Nero, told The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo that the Red Sox have not indicated any interest in the right-hander, though.

Wang, who spent five seasons with the Yankees from 2005 to 2009, pitched 12 scoreless innings in the World Baseball Classic for Chinese Taipei. He struggled in 10 games (five starts) with the Nationals in 2012, though, going 2-3 with a 6.68 ERA.

Wang won 19 games with the Yankees in both 2006 and 2007. He finished second in AL Cy Young voting in ’06, and he went 55-26 with a 4.16 ERA during his five seasons in New York before injuries really started to take their toll.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, barring any last minute changes, the Reds are expected to announce that Aroldis Chapman will move back to the bullpen and serve as the team’s closer.

This news seems to end months of debate about whether the Reds are better served keeping the flame-throwing lefty at the back end of the bullpen — where he thrived last season — or shifting him to the starting rotation in the hopes of him becoming a front-end starter.

Chapman recently told CBSSports.com’s Danny Knobler that he would like to serve as Cincinnati’s closer, but there are many who feel as though the 25-year-old would be much more valuable to the Reds going forward if he joined the starting rotation. The school of thought is simply that an All-Star-caliber starter capable of throwing around 200 innings holds more value than a reliever who tosses around 70.

We’ve seen recently, though, that there is some risk to flip-flopping a pitcher’s role. Joba Chamberlain and Daniel Bard serve as cautionary tales of turning a solid reliever into a starter, while Chris Sale has proven that it can work.

All of Chapman’s 137 career appearances have come out of the bullpen. Chapman saved 38 games and compiled a 1.51 ERA in 71 2/3 innings over 68 appearances last season. He was named to the National League All-Star team and finished eighth in NL Cy Young voting.

Knobler reports that a decision regarding Chapman is not yet final, but it’s not a bad spot to be in if you’re the Reds. Either way, Chapman figures to have a bright future.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

The Red Sox are not currently pursuing Porcello, who has been the subject of trade speculation recently, according to FOXSports.com.

There has been plenty of talk all offseason about whether the Tigers are looking to move Porcello, and the Rangers and Padres have reportedly been the most active in pursuing the right-hander. The Orioles have reportedly also scouted Porcello, but the same, apparently, can’t be said for the Sox, who some consider to be a match.

According to the FOXSports.com report, the Red Sox would be able to satisfy the Tigers’ desire for late-inning relief help by offering Andrew Bailey. The two pitchers’ salaries line up, and the Sox acquired Joel Hanrahan this offseason to become the team’s closer, inherently giving rise to questions about Bailey’s long-term future in Boston. The Red Sox are reportedly reluctant to compromise the depth of their bullpen, though, as it figures to be one of the team’s biggest strengths this season.

The Red Sox’ starting rotation also looks set, with Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Ryan Dempster, Felix Doubront and John Lackey in the mix to start the season. The need for depth stems from the injury to Franklin Morales, who figured to be Boston’s spot starter this season.

Porcello went 10-12 with a 4.59 ERA in 31 starts last season. The 24-year-old owns a 48-42 record with a 4.55 ERA in 120 career starts.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Facebook/Rick Porcello

Brennan Boesch

The 27-year-old outfielder, who was released by the Tigers on Wednesday, has had an appetite for streaking throughout his three-year career. When he’s been good, he’s been really good. And when he’s been bad, it’s been unbearable.

Given that level of inconsistency, the Red Sox would be better off filling out their roster from within, even if Boesch’s ceiling is a bit higher than some of the other options currently in place.

Boesch exploded onto the scene with the Tigers in 2010 after being ranked the organization’s 25th-best prospect that spring. In 65 first-half games (267 plate appearances), he posted a .342 average, .397 on-base percentage, .593 slugging percentage, 12 home runs and 49 RBIs as an up-and-coming 25-year-old. It was enough to put him alongside some elite company, and it even led to him being considered an American League All-Star snub.

Then, as is often the case with young hitters, pitchers started adjusting to Boesch, realizing that he has a tendency to swing at anything and everything. That led to the outfielder pulling one of the biggest 180′s imaginable. He followed up his sizzling first half with a second half that saw him post a .163 average, .237 on-base percentage, .222 slugging percentage, two home runs and 18 RBIs in 68 games (245 plate appearances).

Understandably, 2010′s Jekyll and Hyde act generated some concern. Boesch had to again prove himself, as he had essentially undone all that he accomplished in the first half of 2010 with his historically bad second half. Boesch impressed early in 2011, putting up a .306 average, .360 on-base percentage, .490 slugging percentage, 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 84 first-half games (347 plate appearances). But sure enough, as was the case in 2010, Boesch’s production plummeted off a cliff following the Midsummer Classic, and he posted a .219 average, .288 on-base percentage, .368 slugging percentage, four home runs and 10 RBIs in 31 second-half games (125 plate appearances) before undergoing season-ending thumb surgery.

Boesch’s entire 2012 season was unremarkable, with his highest of highs failing to turn heads and his lowest of lows showing that there are still some significant flaws in his game. Boesch’s biggest asset has always been his bat, but he finished the season with a .240 average, .286 on-base percentage, 12 home runs and 54 RBIs in 132 games. That obviously didn’t sit well with the Tigers, especially since he’s fairly limited defensively — something that had disastrous potential in a very large Comerica Park outfield.

A team will give Boesch a big league opportunity, and some team should, simply to see if he can finally put it all together offensively for a full season. According to various reports, the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets and Astros are all at least considering the idea. In the case of Boston, though, it’d be wise to step back and let someone else take the flier.

Manager John Farrell has a lot to figure out before Opening Day now that it’s looking less and less likely that David Ortiz will be ready. Those questions have the potential to be answered internally, though.

While Boesch is a left-handed hitting outfielder — something the Red Sox made a priority during the offseason — he actually has better numbers against lefties, which makes him a less-than-ideal platoon option to put alongside Jonny Gomes, a right-handed hitter who fares better against lefties.

In addition to the concerning righty/lefty splits, Boesch’s approach at the dish doesn’t exactly coincide with Boston’s 2013 offensive approach, which appears to be largely centered on patience and discipline. Boesch has swung at 39.5 percent of the pitches he’s seen outside the strike zone since 2010, which is the 14th-worst mark in baseball, and pitchers continue to exploit that flaw. Of the pitches Boesch has faced since 2010, 40.9 percent have been outside the strike zone, which is the 10th-highest among qualified big league hitters. That means Boesch needs to make adjustments. Otherwise, it’s hard to envision him ever reaching his maximum potential on a consistent basis, because hurlers will continue to pitch to his weakness.

As far as the bench outfield options that the Red Sox currently have, Jackie Bradley Jr. seems like the popular choice because of his superb defense, immense potential and spring training production thus far. The club could ultimately decide he needs more minor league seasoning, though, in which case Daniel Nava, Lyle Overbay and Mike Carp figure to garner some playing time in the Boston outfield.

Perhaps none of those players are capable of going on a month-long tear, but it’s hard to envision Boesch doing so in Boston either. Boesch likely wouldn’t garner much playing time, and for a guy who has stuck around the bigs because of some streaky hitting, that could decrease his overall value even more.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Flickr/Keith Allison

The Tigers released Brennan Boesch on Wednesday, and according to The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham, the Red Sox are discussing the outfielder internally to determine whether he’d be an upgrade to their bench.

Boesch put together a productive 2011 season, but the 27-year-old regressed in 2012. Boesch and the Tigers avoided arbitration in January with a one-year, $2.3 million pact, but Detroit is only on the hook for one-sixth of that salary now that he’s been released.

Boesch hit .240 with a .286 on-base percentage, 12 home runs and 54 RBIs in 132 games last season. In 2011, he hit .283 with a .341 on-base percentage, 16 home runs and 54 RBIs in 115 games.

If the Red Sox ultimately decide to pursue Boesch, they’ll likely have some company. CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman reports that the Mets appear to have interest in Boesch, and the New York Post’s Joel Sherman reports that the Yankees will at least look into the possibility of signing the outfielder.

Would Brennan Boesch be a good fit for the Red Sox? >>

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Flickr/Keith Allison

Joba Chamberlain

Not everyone is concerned, though. According to the New York Post, the Texas Rangers are scouting Chamberlain, perhaps sensing that the Yankees view their bullpen as an area of depth from which they could deal.

The New York Post reports that Don Welke, a senior special assistant to Rangers general manager Jon Daniels, was at Steinbrenner Field on Monday, specifically to watch Chamberlain pitch an inning against the Cardinals. The right-hander gave up a hit in a scoreless inning in that outing, and his fastball registered at 92-95 mph on the radar gun.

ESPN.com’s Andrew Marchand reports that the Rangers have had “mild interest” in Chamberlain, and still think that he’s got a good arm.

Chamberlain pitched in 22 games out of the New York bullpen last season, going 1-0 with a 4.35 ERA in 20 2/3 innings. The big righty has had a roller coaster career since breaking into the majors in 2007. He has battled multiple injury problems, including Tommy John surgery in 2011, and the Yankees also made the regrettable decision to try and transform him back into a starter after he burst onto the scene as a reliever.

Chamberlain has also been rather outspoken during his career, even recently expressing a desire to be a starter or a closer. Some have speculated that such remarks could cause him to fall out of favor in the Bronx, but it remains to be seen whether it’ll be enough for the Yankees to consider striking a deal.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

One player who presents an intriguing possibility is Padres third baseman Chase Headley. The Yankees have inquired about Headley, according to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.

Headley is coming off a career year with San Diego. The 28-year-old hit .286 with 31 home runs and an NL-leading 115 RBIs. Headley also posted career highs in on-base percentage (.376), slugging percentage (.498) and OPS (.875) while earning a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove.

Peter Gammons recently reported that Headley isn’t available, as he is under team control via arbitration for another two seasons. Perhaps the Padres’ insistence that they’re keeping him is just their way of gaining leverage in negotiations, though.

The Yankees desperately need help after being bit early and often by the injury bug. Alex Rodriguez was already slated to miss a big chunk of the season, and Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson have since suffered injuries.

Because Kevin Youkilis has the ability to play both third base and first base, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman can be flexible if he looks outside the organization for reinforcements.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Flickr/SD Dirk

Javier Vazquez

According to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo, the Red Sox had major interest in Vazquez before a knee injury put the pitcher’s season in jeopardy. The Nationals, Orioles, Yankees and Brewers reportedly were among the other teams to consider the 36-year-old free agent.

Vazquez sat out the 2012 season, but he apparently drew interest this winter while pitching in Puerto Rico. The right-hander was reportedly touching 95 mph on the radar gun — even though it’s hard to believe — and big league clubs, including the Sox, reportedly sent scouts down to check him out.

Vazquez’s major league career could now potentially be over, though. Not only did he sit out the 2012 season, but Vazquez has reportedly been dealing with an injured right knee. The ailment will keep him from pitching in the World Baseball Classic, and according to Ruben Rodriguez of El Nuevo Dia, Vazquez won’t pitch in the majors this season.

There is, of course, the possibility that Vazquez attempts another comeback after healing from the injury. It might be a long shot considering all of the factors involved, though.

Vazquez went 13-11 with a 3.69 ERA while pitching for the Marlins in 2011.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Alex Gonzalez, who has since signed with the Brewers, held a workout in Miami in mid-December to prove he’d recovered from ACL surgery, according to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy. Gonzalez reportedly said that more than a dozen teams sent scouts, including representatives from the Red Sox.

McCalvy reports that Gonzalez even thought the Red Sox might be the best fit for him because they needed a shortstop at the time. Boston opted to sign Drew instead, though, all but ending the chances of Gonzalez reuniting with the Sox for the second time.

Gonzalez, who turned 36 this month and figures to play a backup role in Milwaukee, played for the Red Sox in 2006. He hit .255 with nine home runs and 50 RBIs in 111 games. The defensive-minded shortstop was later sent back to Boston from Cincinnati in 2009, at which point he hit .284 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 148 at-bats over the span of 44 games.

According to McCalvy, Gonzalez also came close to signing with the Cardinals this offseason before eventually inking a one-year deal with the Brewers.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

The Yankees are “fishing around” for a veteran pitcher who can start in Triple-A, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman.

The Bronx Bombers reportedly have their eyes on a familiar friend in Chien-Ming Wang, as they plan to watch him during the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Cashman and the Yankees reportedly have no interest in free agent Kyle Lohse, though.

The Yankees’ rotation currently consists of CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes and either Ivan Nova or David Phelps. However, Hughes is battling a bulging disk in his upper back, which makes adding organizational depth somewhat of a necessity.

Wang went 2-3 with a 6.68 ERA in 10 appearances (five starts) with the Nationals last season. The 32-year-old hasn’t been the same pitcher he once was in recent years due to injuries, but the Yanks could take a flier in the hopes that he can regain some of what helped him win 19 games in both 2006 and 2007 for the Yankees. Wang actually finished second in AL Cy Young voting in 2006, when he went 19-6 with a 3.63 ERA for New York.

Lohse remains the top free-agent starter on the open market, but teams have been reluctant to sign him because of the draft pick compensation they’d have to relinquish as part of any deal.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Wikipedia/Chien-Ming Wang

The Sox have also discussed the Mariners’ Mike Carp as a potential backup, according to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo. Carp was designated for assignment last week.

Carp hit .213 in 164 at-bats last season, and is a career .255 hitter in 545 at-bats. The 26-year-old is a left-handed hitter and has the ability to play both first base and the outfield, which is something that would certainly be an asset to the Red Sox. Napoli, of course, figures to be Boston’s everyday first baseman, but his hip condition makes the need for a solid backup that much greater. Plus, a left-handed bat capable of playing the outfield could spell Jonny Gomes from time to time when the Sox face right-handers.

Carp hit .276 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs in 79 games in 2011.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Wikipedia/Mike Carp