MLB Rumors: 10 Big Names The Boston Red Sox Could Still Pursue

The Boston Red Sox had a bit of a disappointing season last year as they were haunted by injuries and failed to make the playoffs.

This year though, things will definitely be a lot different.  The Tampa Bay Rays are going to lose a lot of talent to free agency and may struggle next year.  Which means that it is time for the Red Sox to return to the post season once more.

They have an excellent chance as I just said but, there are no guarantees in life.  Even though they picked up Adrian Gonzalez yesterday, the Red Sox still have a few other things to address that will help them get to the playoffs.

These are the players I believe General Manager Theo Epstein and the Boston Red Sox should target.

Brian Fuentes

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Brian Fuentes #51 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during game one of the ALDS on October 6, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Yankees defeated the Twins 6-4. (Photo by Elsa

Brian Fuentes has been a name that has surfaced lately in Red Sox rumors and it is easy to see why.

It is no secret that the Red Sox have been scanning the market for left handed relievers. Names like Scott Downs and Ron Mahay have also been bandied about but, they are unlikely as Downs is a Type A Free Agent and Mahay is inconsistent and is up there in terms of age.

Fuentes is a Type B Free Agent who was not offered arbitration by the Angels this offseason meaning he will not cost the Red Sox a draft pick if they sign him.  The 35 year-old Fuentes would be a nice addition considering that he is a veteran lefty with some skills.  The contract negotiations may be an issue but the Red Sox aren't a small market team and can probably afford him.

Russell Martin

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 25: Catcher Russell Martin #55 of the Los Angeles Dodgers jumps onto a rail beside the New York Mets dugouts as he pursues a pop foul ball that fell into the stands on July 25, 2010 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. T

Russell Martin is drawing interest from several teams, including of course the Boston Red Sox.

With the departure of Victor Martinez, there is a massive void in terms of depth at the catchers position for the Boston Red Sox.  Right now, the Sox have Jarrod Saltalamacchia as their starter and Jason Varitek is the backup catcher.  To be very frank, that is just not going to cut it.

Martin is somewhat of a hot commodity right now and will probably cost quite a bit but, if he stays healthy he could pay dividends.  I emphasize the part about Martin being healthy as that has been the main concern over the course of his career.

Marcus Thames

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 22: Marcus Thames #38 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the Texas Rangers in Game Six of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 22, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Pho

Marcus Thames had a fantastic season for the New York Yankees.  Thames played a key role in the success of the Yankees.  He was very good playing every few games and really maximized his playing time.

Although Thames is on the wrong side of thirty and has had a spotty health record throughout his career.  But, Thames is a good hitter and can play multiple positions including the outfield.  He also may go under the radar and maybe could come cheap.  Either way, Thames would be a good addition to a shaky Boston outfield.

Magglio Ordonez

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DETROIT - JULY 09: Magglio Ordonez #30 of the Detroit Tigers singles to center field scoring two runs in the first inning and giving the Tigers a 4-0 lead over the Minnesota Twins on July 9, 2010 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Hali

Magglio Ordonez has been one of the better hitters over the last ten years.  He has always hit for a high average and has hit for power.  Of course, with all players, there is always a risk for injury and Maggs is no different.  He never really had problems early in his career but, he is 37 years old and his body is deteriorating.

Maggs is a career 312* hitter and can play the outfield.  He was not offered arbitration by the Tigers after having a nice start to the last season.  He could be a tad pricey but, if the Red Sox are willing to gamble, Maggs would be a nice addition. 

Vladimir Guerrero

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Vladimir Guerrero #27 of the Texas Rangers reacts as he walks back to the dugout after he struck out in the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants in Game Four of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arling

Vladimir Guerrero is one of the best Latin players of all time.  A good guy and an excellent hitter, Vlad has been one of the most exciting players to watch.

Vlad is 36 years of age and has showed that his body is obviously deteriorating.  Now, last year was a big surprise as Vlad had some injury concerns but, had a fantastic season in terms of hitting.

It is hard to think that Guerrero could play a lot of time in the outfield but, it is not out of the question.  Now, the problem would be in terms of years and money.  Vlad's agent will try and get 3 or 4 years out of a team and a pretty big amount of money.  Guerrero though, could fall under the radar and the Red Sox could grab him for less.

Cliff Lee

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 01: Cliff Lee #33 of the Texas Rangers watches a 3-run home run hit by Edgar Renteria #16 of the San Francisco Giants leave the ballpark in Game Five of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on November 1, 20

Cliff Lee is the hottest commodity on the free agent market.  Cliff Lee is a long shot for the Red Sox as they are probably going to spend a ton of money on Adrian Gonzalez.

Everyone wants Cliff Lee and he won't come cheap by any means.  But, the Red Sox could probably open up the bank vault and make a run for him.  Odds are the Yankees will get him, but the Red Sox could be a dark horse. Again though, highly unlikely.

Scott Downs

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TORONTO - SEPTEMBER 23: Pitcher Scott Downs #37 of the Toronto Blue Jays tosses the rosin bag during a break in game action against the Seattle Mariners on September 23, 2010 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays defeated the Marin

Scott Downs has been one of the most consistent left-handed relievers in baseball for quite sometime now.  Downs has been with the Blue Jays for a very long time and it is highly unlikely that he will re-sign.  Downs has been relatively healthy over the course of his career and has shown great durability. 

Downs has closed in his career and has been very good in that role.  If the Red Sox aren't keen on Hideki Okajima, Downs seems like a good choice.  The Red Sox were in on Downs at last years trade deadline but obviously could not pry him from the Jays.

The only thing that will turn the Sox off in terms of Downs is his Type A status.  This means that if he signs with the Sox, they would give up a 1st round draft pick to the Jays.

Rich Harden

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 29: Pitcher Rich Harden #40 of the Texas Rangers throws against the Seattle Mariners at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on September 29, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Rich Harden has always had phenomenal stuff but, has had control and health problems.  Harden has moved around in the last couple of years from Oakland to the Cubs, and then to the Texas Rangers.

Odds are that the Rangers won't re-sign him.  Boston's name has always been thrown around when Harden has been available and now is a good time for the Sox to grab him.  He will be heavily pursued by many teams and may cost a lot for what will be a very risky signing for any team.  If Harden stays healthy and can have some control, he could pay huge dividends and be extremely dominant.

Fred Lewis

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OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 18: Fred Lewis #15 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a single to score Lyle Overbay #35 and Dewayne Wise #1 to tie the game 4-4 against the Oakland Athletics in the ninth inning at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 18, 2010

Fred Lewis was a surprising pickup for Alex Anthopolous last offseason.  Lewis was picked up in exchange for a player to be named later (a minor league catcher) and the move really payed off.

Lewis brought speed and athleticism to a team that really needed it.  He hit for a good average but, ended the year on a bad note as his foot was injured and he missed some time.  The reason the Jays let him go was probably the money he would cost and his ego.  Lewis wasn't happy about sitting on the bench sometimes and made it very clear.

Fred would be a great pickup for a team looking for some outfield assistance.  

Carl Crawford

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ST PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: Outfielder Carl Crawford #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays catches a fly ball against the Baltimore Orioles during the game at Tropicana Field on September 27, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Carl Crawford is the most coveted hitter on the free agent market.  The Red Sox will be in on him to the end and to that there will be no doubt.  But can they afford him?  They need him and that's for sure, but it is hard to fathom that the Sox can afford him.

My stance on this has changed recently because of the Jayson Werth signing.  Because Werth signed such a large contract in terms of money, Crawford will get far more than him.  And like I said, Adrian Gonzalez will require a lot of money for a long term deal which means that they may not have a lot of money leftover for Carl.  It would be great to see him with the Sox but, it is unlikely