As the Red Sox and Cubs continue to discuss what the Sox will receive as compensation for Theo Epstein if and when he heads to Chicago, it looks like the Sox could be eyeing some pitching help.
The Red Sox are believed to be focused on Trey McNutt, who is arguably the Cubs' best pitching prospect, according to CSN Chicago.
The 22-year-old right-hander battled through injuries this past season and went 5-6 with a 4.55 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) at Double-A Tennessee. But in 2010, he exploded onto the scene, going 10-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 25 starts between Single-A, Class-A Advanced and Double-A.
According to CSN Chicago, McNutt dealt with blister problems in 2011, which kept him from building off his breakout 2010 campaign. But the Cubs reportedly feel like the young righty has enough upside to eventually be a part of their 2012 staff, and they therefore refuse to give into Boston's demands.
McNutt was drafted in the 32nd round of the 2009 draft and wasn't as highly regarded as he currently is until his big 2010 season.
CSN Chicago expects the Cubs will have to deal two prospects to the Red Sox, just as the Marlins did in order to lure Ozzie Guillen away from the White Sox.
