Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett Reportedly Placed on Trade Waivers by Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox might be looking to make changes to their roster soon, so it should come as no surprise that the team has reportedly placed Josh Beckett and Adrian Gonzalez on trade waivers prior to the August 31 waiver trade deadline. 

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Beckett was placed on waivers Thursday, but there is not expected to be a claim put in. 

"

Josh Beckett is on trade waivers now. Competing execs don't expect him to be claimed. #redsox

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) August 23, 2012"

On the flip side, Sean McAdam of Comcast SportsNet New England reported that Gonzalez will likely draw some interest as a waiver claim. 

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Source: Sox placed Adrian Gonzalez on trade waivers today. Pretty standard stuff in Aug., but perhaps willing to listen on him this winter?

— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) August 22, 2012"

Honestly, placing a player on waivers doesn't mean much. All 30 teams are going to place players on waivers at this time of year just to see what, if anything, they can get for them. 

In the case of someone like Beckett, who is 32 with an ERA of 5.23 and has two years at $17 million per left on his contract, the Red Sox might even be willing to just give him to a team if they were to claim him, like what the Blue Jays did with Alex Rios in 2009 just to get rid of his salary. 

Gonzalez is an interesting case. I don't see any reason for the Red Sox to get rid of him. He is clearly one of their two best hitters right now—David Ortiz being the other, when healthy—and still one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball. 

At 30 years old, Gonzalez still has a few prime years ahead of him. Even though his power and walk numbers have been down this year, he is still a very good hitter. 

Again, don't expect any action on either player, but if there is a team desperate enough to make a move, you never know what can happen. 

If a team were to claim Gonzalez and then blow the Red Sox out of the water with a good deal, they would be foolish not to listen. 

As has been the case all year in Boston, there is never a dull moment with the Red Sox. We will keep you updated on the situation if and when anything breaks. 

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