How active the organization is on the free agent market depends almost entirely on how it handles each of those situations. Depending on who stays and who goes the Sox could be looking for help in the outfield, at the corner infield spots, behind the plate and in the bullpen.
Here are a few notable names that could wind up at the negotiating table with Boston, based on those potential positions of need
OUTFIELD
1. Carl Crawford, LF
The Big Kahuna of the 2011 Free Agent Class, Crawford seemingly has been around forever but will not turn 30 until August of next year.
A fantastic defensive player, Crawford brings the whole package on offense, leading the league in stolen bases four times and slugging a career-high 19 homers in 2010. He has hit better than .300 in five of the last six seasons.
Essentially, there is no flaw in Crawford’s game (even his once ordinary OBP numbers have been higher the last two years) and there may be plenty of room for him on the Red Sox. With Jacoby Ellsbury, a candidate to move back to center field, J.D. Drew in his last year in right, Mike Cameron likely a reserve as he enters the last year of his contract and Ryan Kalish perhaps starting the year in the minors, Crawford could be the prize to provide the pop that was absent from the outfield in 2010.
2. Jayson Werth, RF
The backup plan for teams that do not land Crawford, Werth is a markedly different player than the Rays’ left fielder. For one, he has played the bulk of his career in right field and did not play left at all in 2010. This could be the Sox’ right fielder of the future but how to use him in 2011, with Drew still under contract, is a bit of a question mark.
He could play left, of course, but it would be a slight experiment at first. Another option is to utilize him in a part-time role in the outfield and a part-time role as a designated hitter against left-handed pitchers, a scenario which would become more appetizing if Ortiz is gone and the DH begins to be utilized in a revolving manner. Of course that omits the chance to use Victor Martinez as a DH against lefties, assuming he is re-signed (you see how convoluted this can get).
Werth will be 31 on Opening Day 2011. He led the National League in doubles with 46 and had a 28-point spike in his batting average this year. Scott Boras got his mitts on this guy recently, so don’t expect anything to happen until later in the offseason — Scottie loves to drag things out.
There is a notable drop-off in potential free agent outfielders after these two.
Others to consider: Jose Guillen, Brad Hawpe, Coco Crisp (if Oakland does not exercise option), Austin Kearns and a whole host of names that would only make Red Sox fans upset.
FIRST BASE
1. Carlos Pena, 1B
The Haverhill hero certainly had his fair share of struggles at the plate this year and his batting average has been on a steady decline for four seasons now. However, he still hit 28 home runs and drew 84 walks while continuing to showcase a solid glove.
If Boston loses Beltre and finds that moving Kevin Youkilis to third base and signing a first baseman is the way to go, Pena is one option. The pool of potential free agent third basemen is weak. With Pena the club would have to hope for a turnaround in some areas, but would at least have a premier power hitter who owns a Gold Glove.
2. Paul Konerko, 1B
A candidate for the American League MVP award this year, Konerko will be 35 by Opening Day and he is a Type A guy, meaning the Sox would have to give up a high draft pick. However, it’s hard to not kick the tires on a guy who hit .312 with 39 homers and 111 RBIs.
That would certainly make up for Beltre’s absence.
3. Lyle Overbay, 1B
He’ll be 34 in January and has hit as high as .270 just once in the last four years, but Overbay could be a cheaper option at first if the Youkilis shift occurs. He did hit 20 homers in 2010 and has always raked in Fenway Park, posting a .323 average and 31 RBIs in just 41 career starts in Boston.
4. Aubrey Huff, 1B
Another big bat that could fill the Beltre void if/when that change occurs, Huff had another spectacular season in 2010, spurring San Francisco to the postseason. The 33-year-old has been with five teams in as many years but not due to a lack of production — he has averaged 22 homers and 83 RBIs in that span while batting .280 or above three times.
5. Adam Dunn, 1B
Dunn has been discussed relative to the Red Sox for years, but it makes little sense at first base. He is essentially a designated hitter down the road and the defensive-minded Sox would take a hit at first base if Dunn was brought on in that capacity. Still, the power is tantalizing.
Others to consider: Jorge Cantu, Ty Wigginton, Troy Glaus.
RELIEVERS
1. Rafael Soriano, RP
The Rays’ closer would give the Sox three big guns at the back end of their bullpen. The question is, would paying upwards of $10 million for two relievers (Soriano and Jonathan Papelbon) be the way to go? After the way in which the bullpen killed the Sox in 2010, it’s not out of the question for the club to splurge a bit in this area.
Also, if Papelbon walks after the upcoming season, Boston would have two viable candidates to replace him in Soriano and Daniel Bard.
2. Scott Downs, RP
The biggest name on the trade market relative to relievers as July 31 approached, Downs went nowhere. He’s a veteran lefty who can get out hitters from both sides of the plate, a la Hideki Okajima (when Okajima is right). If Okajima is not tendered a deal, Downs remains an option.
3. J.J. Putz, RP
His name is always fodder for jokes and pun-filled headlines, but Putz had a rebirth as part of the Chicago White Sox’ bullpen in 2010. He was 7-5 with a 2.83 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, looking very much like the guy who saved 92 games in three seasons for Seattle before an injury-plagued 2009 campaign in New York.
Others to consider: Brian Fuentes (LHP), Jason Frasor (RHP), Jon Rauch (RHP), Chad Durbin (RHP), Will Ohman (LHP).
RESERVE CATCHER
1. Gerald Laird, C
The possibility remains that the Red Sox will need a backup catcher, and Laird is the one name that jumps off the page, for one specific reason — he is one of the best in the league at throwing out runners.
An issue for Boston the past couple of seasons has been limiting the running game. Laird threw out 34 percent of runners in 2010 and 42 percent the year before.
The rest of the free agent class, aside from John Buck of Toronto, is aging and not an attractive group if you are looking for a starting catcher. We are only looking for a backup, if needed.
Others to consider: Bengie Molina, Jose Molina (if Toronto does not exercise its option on him), Josh Bard.
