Josh Beckett Reportedly Claimed off Waivers by LA Dodgers

Sean McAdam of Comcast Sports Network New England is reporting that the Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed starting pitcher Josh Beckett from the Boston Red Sox. McAdam broke the news via his Twitter account:

"

Confirmed: It is indeed the Dodgers who have also claimed Beckett. #RedSoxTalk

— Sean McAdam(@Sean_McAdam) August 24, 2012"

Adding to the developing story, Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston is reporting the Dodgers are looking to grab a whole lot more from Boston than just Beckett. Edes recently tweeted the two clubs are working on a "blockbuster."

"

Blockbuster: red Sox, Dodgers working on deal that would send AGon, Crawford, Beckett and Punto to LA. Hurdles remain, but closing in

— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) August 24, 2012"

It should be noted that Beckett has 10-5 rights, meaning he has the power to veto any potential trades involving himself. The 10-5 rights come as a result of Beckett playing at least 10 seasons in MLB and at least five years with one ballclub.

If the acquisition becomes finalized, it will end a rather tumultuous relationship that has developed between the veteran hurler and the Red Sox.

The tension between player, franchise and fans came after news broke late last season about players (including himself) eating fried chicken and consuming alcohol in the clubhouse—the same season in which the Red Sox looked postseason bound before losing 21 of their last 28 games.

Beckett's 2012 season has not gone as statistically well as 2011, however, when he posted 13 wins and a 2.89 ERA for Boston. In a year full of criticism, his 2012 campaign has been a poor one to say the least.

The three-time MLB All-Star currently owns a 5.23 ERA with a 5-11 record in 21 games. If the season were to end Aug. 24, it would mark the second time in three seasons that Beckett has finished with an ERA over 5.00 and fewer than 10 wins.

The Dodgers' potential acquisition of Beckett interestingly comes on the same day ESPN's Jayson Stark stated that the pitcher would be Boston's first offseason priority after deciding what to do with current manager Bobby Valentine.

If Beckett were to agree to the acquisition, the Dodgers would mark the third franchise he has played for in his career. Beckett was previously a member of the Florida Marlins before being traded to the Red Sox in 2005.