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Sources: Mariano Rivera initiated contact with Red Sox 12.12.10 at 11:09 pm ET
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According to multiple major league sources, Mariano Rivera’s representatives were the ones to initiate contact with the Red Sox in an attempt to get the team interested in the closer. While the Red Sox would ultimately make a two-year offer to Rivera, according to sources the team’s expectation was that he would be returning to the Yankees. The 41-year-old ultimately re-signed with New York, securing a two-year, $30 million deal.

While there was some thought that because of the offer to Rivera the Red Sox were prepared to non-tender closer Jonathan Papelbon, separate sources suggest the Sox were never inclined to let Papelbon become a free agent this offseason. In the short-term, the team valued the reliever’s presence in the back-end of its bullpen, while long-term it coveted  any draft picks that might come the Sox’ way if Papelbon were to sign elsewhere in free agency next year. The Sox’ closer is arbitration-eligible for a third time, and is heading into the final season of being controlled by the Sox.

The current system allows teams to gain draft picks for players viewed as ‘Type A’ or ‘Type B’ free agents if those players are offered arbitration by their clubs, and then sign with another organization. There is some doubt that the new collective bargaining agreement (the current one extends through the 2011 season) will allow the process to remain intact, but many executives still believe the upcoming group of free agents will be ‘grandfathered’ in for next year’s offseason. Papelbon, who almost certainly would be a ‘Type A’ free agent, would fall into that group.

For more Red Sox coverage, see the team page at weei.com/redsox.

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  • Robert

    Only the RS would let an opportunity like that slip through their fingers without ever making an attempt to fill the most glaring hole they have. Even if Pap bounces back,he will be gone next year. Was this part of the “well thought out plan” that Theo talks about.What they got was AG and CC.While these moves certainly make the club better, what they needed to bury the Yankees,and the rest of the league, was Cliff Lee and Mo,while keeping Vmart and Beltre, as the others returned to health.

  • Steve

    Robert there’s no way they could have afforded to give out those kinds of offers. That’s like $75 mil+ per year added to the payroll. Plus you honestly think that the Yanks would let Mo walk to the Sox? They would have ponied up the money, probably at least to 20 mil for 3 or 4 years.

  • Pete from New Bedford

    In response to keeping V Mart who certainly was a plus for the Sox, It would have messed up the trade for Gonzales at first base. There was no place to play Martinez except as a catcher and I believe the brass didn’t feel he could play at that position for 4 years. In addition the Sox pick up draft picks which would replace those lost when they signed Crawford. They also get picks for Beltre and if he were signed where does Youkalis play. Relief pitching and one more back up catcher will put them as a serious contender and the draft picks will keep them there. From what I have read the signing of Gonzales helped sign Crawford. The only thing I can think of that would be more exciting would be to sign Tom Brady to be a relief pitcher and Welcher as a catcher. He catches everything.

  • Thom

    I concur w/ Steve’s post. There’s no way they could add Lee ,plus keep AB and V-Mart,after getting AG & CC. Who wants Lee is the 6th and 7th year of the contract he’s commanding? Will Lee be worth 20mil per at ages 38 & 39? I think not. That’s a bad contract waiting to happen. They will add a couple of good relievers and maybe Martin. I dont see how anyone could really complain about this off-season.(especially after last years off-season)Some people don’t have a realistic idea of the economical landscape, you can’t sign everyone that’s out there.

  • Mark

    Robert if you are not happy with the way things went this winter, you’re crazy. And, there’s still a good chance Lee doesn’t sign with New York. Relievers are a dime a dozen, we have enough offense right now that will get us to the trade deadline next July; it will be then that Theo will address the bullpen if need be.

  • Robert

    Steve,I love the moves they have made,but how many RS teams over the years fell just short because of pitching. Maybe Lee doesn’t make sense in the long run,but a stealth move to steal Mo for two or three years could have happenned in this strange off season,as we now see Lee going to Philly.Who knows if he would ever have come here, but it would have been worth the effort.With Downs gone,they will have to act fast and sign two decent guys for the pen,otherwise, AG and CC, while fun to watch, won’t make enough of a difference.Maybe they should consider Soriano,while having Pap take care of the 7th inning.Jon wouldn’t like it, but he is leaving anyway.

  • Robert

    Mark, we are all happy with what they have done so far,but it is not enough.After Lester, Buck and Bard,and maybe Pap, their pitching stinks.Their only chance is to fortify that bullpen with four effective relievers. Mo was right out there for the taking,as was Downs and Putz.

  • http://mlbtraderumors Scott B

    Guys, guys! We have no right to complain. We got plenty. Keep the faith. We got Atchison, Dubronte, Tazawa, Bowden, Wake or Dice, Paps, Bard, and 2 or 3 farm hands… we could be better, we probably will be better, after Spring we’ll tell. And Theo may just have one more trick up that sleeve. In the mean time GET EXCITED!! All Boston sports fans do is complain! Get with the program and have FUN watching the GAME! HO-HO MERRY CHRISTMAS! GO SOX!

  • Bepp

    Scott you have the proper frame of mind and I do think that Theo will work on improving the pen. Mo wasn’t coming here no matter what the Sox offered, and the Yanks would have made sure of that. Theo isn’t done working his magic yet. It’s already been a very good Christmas season for me and Red Sox Nation. Merry Christmas and GO SOX!!!!

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