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Sources: Red Sox called on Kansas City closer Joakim Soria 12.17.11 at 4:39 pm ET
By Rob Bradford

The Red Sox have expressed some interest in Royals closer Joakim Soria. (AP)

According to multiple sources, the Red Sox had discussions with the Royals about the possibility of dealing for Kansas City closer Joakim Soria. The talks have currently failed to progress, however, with KC seeking (according to a source) at least “a couple solid pieces.” (Translation: the kind of players the Red Sox aren’t going to be putting in a deal for Soria.)

The 27-year-old Soria — whom the Red Sox did have some interest in at the 2010 non-waiver trade deadline — is coming off his worst season, converting 28 of 35 save opportunities, while finishing with a 4.03 ERA. Opponents hit .259 off of the righty, who hadn’t allowed an OBA of higher than .219 in any of his previous four seasons. Five times Soria allowed three or more runs in ’11, matching the amount of such outings for his entire career prior coming into the campaign.

Soria’s contract is extremely attractive considering his overall production, with the closer carrying club options of $6 million, $8 million and $8.75 million over the next three seasons, respectively. If any agreement was to be reached there would be one potential fly in the ointment with the Red Sox representing one of six teams Soria can block a trade to. (The impetus for such a clause — which also includes the Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, Rockies, and Braves — is usually viewed as an opportunity to renegotiate the current deal.)

Despite the recent acquisition of Houston closer Mark Melancon, the Red Sox continue to look for late-inning relief help. Still on the market are free agents Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero, both of whom are still waiting with the Sox and Reds seemingly still serving as the most likely landing spots for either of the two.

Discussions with the Athletics regarding closer Andrew Bailey continue, but, like Soria, the cost may be too high for the Sox. With Bailey still carrying three years of arbitration eligibility, Oakland carries a good deal of leverage despite the reliever’s injury issues.

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  • Draft

    Mock the Pats 2nd rd picks next time. No way should they pick a WR in the first two rounds unless Floyd fell to 27 or someone like Hill were there late 2. Need to draft D or O-line (best players at any spot – need is only a tie breaker early on). O-line may seem like a reach but it’s going to be a need after 2012-13 if not this season. Light and Waters retire and Volmer health. As the o-line goes the offense does. Plus, Dante is getting older and I’d want him to train any young guys I got.

  • nhpatsfan

    Barron is not First round talent 

  • RobDX

    Only player they should reach for is Ben Jones if they feel like someone might grab him. They need a center badly, and Connolly won’t be able ot fill it forever. PFF has him ranked at -4.0 who is OK in pass protection but fails to reach the second level in run blocking, that is why they always rushed off the edge.

  • Jesull08

    chan-chan jones…

  • Relax

    I agree that they need a center.  Peter Konz should be available with that first pick.  I would love to see the Pats grab him.  But, I have to say this is a very lame mock draft.  And I understand that it is just a mock draft and all that it implies.  There is just no possible way the Pats pass up on what is considered by the “experts” to be one of the deepest draft for DT’s since the Pats drafted Ty Warren, and draft a safety and a WR.  I think if they keep the picks they take 2 D-lineman or 1 and a O-lineman.

  • anonomys

    Please patriots draft hill with the 31st pick… hell draft floyd with the 27th pick!

  • Lipper

    I actually like both picks if BB holds onto both 1st rounders! Still would like to see a Pass rusher with the 1st pick & Wideout with the second pick

  • Greene762

    The more time that passes the more and more I dislike this drafts first round talent.  I can’t believe I’m going to say this but I think the Pats should trade both their 1st round picks.  

  • RobDX

     Exactly, they need a solid rushing DT. Vince is an amazing player, but that simply isn’t his job. A rushing DT with a lite package up with Fanene would be great plus it will hopefully reduce the snaps Fork takes because he was on the filed a LOT last year. Personally, my list of needs goes like this based on who I think will be available (they will trade 1 first rounder, they don’t even pick past the 5th round, that isn’t good) DT, C/G, OLB, FS, WR, T, CB. They might need a tackle soon if based Vollmer’s back injury from college and last year still flares up. Now, that is if Cannon stays at G, even tho he belongs at T. Plus, they have a steal from GB in the Form of Nick MacDonald at G, adn the best Oline coach in the past 50yrs.

  • Jay72370

    trade your 31st pick and sign mike wallace hes 26 and can fy!!

  • steady graping

    I’ve heard rumors of the pats shopping their two first round picks to get into the top ten… claiborne coples or richardson.  We all know that’s not true though

  • Benny

    I would love to see BB trade up and grab pass rushing specialist Whitney Mercilus out of Illinois!!  The guy gets after the quarterback as good if not better than any player in this draft!!  He had 16 sacks, and would fill an immediate need!!

  • Nevetz

    For once I actually want the Pats to trade down and get more 2nd or 3 rd round pics,, so long as they can’t land a Brockers or Copples type player on the D line.. Chandler Jones and Andre Branch are both interesting canidates on the outside.. As well as Coby Fleener, a TE to fill in for Gronk.. George Iloka a safety with good size and speed.. A pretty deep draft, I d love to see us take 6 guys in rounds 2 and 3 and hopefully 4 of them will pan out.

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