Report: Gary Matthews, Jr.-Mike Lowell Trade Talks Surfaced at Winter Meetings

Gary Matthews, Jr. is on his way to the NL East as the former Angels outfielder was dealt to the Mets this week for Brian Stokes.

However, Matthews was almost headed to the AL East roughly a month ago as the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reports that the Red Sox and Angels were discussing a possible trade involving Matthews for Mike Lowell.

The Angels lost their third baseman Chone Figgins to free agency and were interested in filling the vacancy with Lowell prior to the surfacing of the veteran's thumb injury. Instead, the Halos and Mets — who need some insurance in outfield for the injured Carlos Beltran — worked out a deal. Matthews, who receives $500,000 for being traded, is set to make $11 million in 2010 and $12 million in 2011 with the Angels picking up all but $2 million of the $23.5 million remaining on the deal.

Another veteran on the Red Sox radar has been pitcher Ben Sheets. Members of the Red Sox scouting department recently attended a Sheets throwing session but with the already crowded rotation, the chances of Boston throwing Sheets an offer are slim.