WEEI.com's Rob Bradford reports the Boston Red Sox haven't engaged in contract extension talks with C Victor Martinez yet.

According to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, the Red Sox have not approached Victor Martinez or his representatives about a contract extension. Martinez is only under team control for another year, but it sounds like the Red Sox have their attention elsewhere at the moment. "The bottom line is that we’re content," said V-Mart's agent, Alan Nero. "He’s happy to be a Red Sox, and he’s going to be a Red Sox for the next year." Boston could stir up talks later this winter or at some point during the season.Source: WEEI.com

Michael Silverman, of the Boston Herald, reports the Boston Red Sox are open to a long-term deal for C Victor Martinez.

Brown went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in the Red Sox' win over the Indians Saturday.

Spin: The home run was his first MLB hit. Don't get too excited, as he only had 40 home runs in nine minor league seasons to go with a career .263/.343/.386 line.Sat, Oct 3

News: Red Sox C Dusty Brown went 1 for 2 with his first major-league homer Saturday against the Indians.

Analysis: Brown is nothing more than a No. 2 catcher for the Red Sox and the deepest of AL-only leagues. With Victor Martinez in town, that role doesn't figure to change in 2010

Dusty Brown has been recalled by the Red Sox from Triple-A Pawtucket, according to TSN.

Our View: The 27-year-old is yet to record his first at-bat in the majors, and holds no fantasy value as a deep reserve at catcher.

WEEI.com's Rob Bradford reports the Boston Red Sox haven't engaged in contract extension talks with C Victor Martinez yet.

According to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, the Red Sox have not approached Victor Martinez or his representatives about a contract extension. Martinez is only under team control for another year, but it sounds like the Red Sox have their attention elsewhere at the moment. "The bottom line is that we’re content," said V-Mart's agent, Alan Nero. "He’s happy to be a Red Sox, and he’s going to be a Red Sox for the next year." Boston could stir up talks later this winter or at some point during the season.Source: WEEI.com

Michael Silverman, of the Boston Herald, reports the Boston Red Sox are open to a long-term deal for C Victor Martinez.

Bates (ankle) has been removed from the 60-day DL.

Spin: He's back on the 40-man roster heading into December's Rule 5 Draft. It's somewhat surprising that he's occupying a roster spot right now as Bates hasn't done anything to suggest he'll fill more than a bench role for the Red Sox in the long run.Fri, Nov 20

CBSSports.com reports the Boston Red Sox have activated SP Junichi Tazawa (groin) and 1B Aaron Bates (ankle) from the 60-day disabled list.

Bates was recalled to Boston then placed on the 60-day disabled list, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: The move was made to clear a roster spot for Fernando Cabrera, who was recalled on Tuesday.Wed, Sep 30

Mike Lowell isn't fazed with being the subject of trade rumors. "I figure I am no stranger to trade rumors and I understand the team’s desire to always look to upgrade," Lowell said in an e-mail. "This situation is much different than last year because I was hoping to avoid a very awkward situation of rehabbing in order to get traded if the Teixiera signing would have occurred." Lowell, who has one year and $12 million remaining on his contract, will become expendable if the Red Sox are able to add a big bat like Adrian Gonzalez. With a hip injury and the addition of Victor Martinez, the 35-year-old third baseman was used sparingly down the stretch, finishing with a .290/.337/.474 slash-line to go along with 17 homers and 75 RBI.Source: Boston Herald

RedSox.MLB.com's Ian Browne reports Boston Red Sox 3B Mike Lowell is entering a contract year in 2010.

It was a painful campaign for Lowell -- literally. He dealt with recurring discomfort in his hip as a result of offseason surgery, an ongoing ailment that prevented him from being the fixture at third base he would have liked to have been. Even at 35, though, he showed he can still rake when in the lineup, which is why he’ll continue to merit a bench spot on squads in all formats in 2010.

ESPNBoston.com's Peter Gammons reports the Boston Red Sox want SS Jed Lowrie (wrist) to play at Triple-A Pawtucket in 2010 to make up for lost at-bats last year and to make sure his wrist holds up.

Jed Lowrie will begin the 2010 season at Triple-A Pawtucket, according to Peter Gammons of ESPN.

Our View: Lowrie hit just .147 in 32 injury-plagued games last season, and the Sox want to get his career back on track in the minors. That being said, he will almost certainly be on the major league roster at some point.

Peter Gammons of ESPN.com reports the Red Sox want Jed Lowrie to play at Triple-A Pawtucket in 2010. Lowrie missed most of the 2009 season after undergoing wrist surgery in April. Right now, he's technically the top shortstop on the depth chart, but that figures to change. Giving him full-time duty in Pawtucket would help Lowrie recapture his groove in a less demanding environment. Wait to see how the shortstop situation shakes itself out before dropping him on draft boards.Source: ESPN.com

News: Red Sox OF Brian N. Anderson, who had yet to record a multi-hit game since coming over from the White Sox, went 3 for 3 with a home run, a walk, three RBI and two runs scored Saturday against the Indians.

Analysis: Anderson got to start mostly because the Red Sox are resting their regulars for the playoffs. At age 27, he's running out of opportunities to establish himself as a major-league regular, and he probably won't find them with the Red Sox

News: The Providence Journal reports that Red Sox OFs Brian N. Anderson and Joey Gathright, who has 79 career major league steals, will be called up on Tuesday.

Analysis: Gathright could provide some nice speed off the bench for Boston, but neither of these guys are likely to see enough at-bats to be worth using in seasonal play this September

Red Sox recalled outfielder Brian Anderson from Triple-A Pawtucket. Anderson is batting just .211 in 23 games with Pawtucket and isn't likely to steal playing time from any of Boston's regular outfielders down the stretch. He was acquired in late July for Mark Kotsay and cash.

Reddick started in left Saturday against the O's, going 1-for-2 with a walk and his second major league home run.

Spin: Thats two since being called up in September, and he seems to be making the transition to the majors quite well.Sat, Sep 19

Reddick was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday, the Providence Journal reports.

Spin: Reddick was in Pawtucket preparing for a game when he got the word. He'll travel to St. Petersburg to meet the Red Sox, who are in the middle of a series against Tampa Bay.Thu, Sep 3

Josh Reddick has been recalled by the Red Sox from Triple-A Pawtucket, according to TSN.

Our View: Reddick holds a dismal .188 average over 32 at-bats this season, and does not look to see much action in Boston's well-stocked outfield in his latest stint with the club.

Joe McDonald, of The Providence Journal, reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz only took a few days off before he started his offseason workouts this year. "He looks good. He's following through with a really good start to his offseason," said general manager Theo Epstein. He's lost some weight and he's in really good shape, so that's a good sign."

David Ortiz is working hard on his fitness level this offseason in the hopes of avoiding another slow start. Ortiz hit just .222/.317/.416 before the All-Star break this past season and didn't have a home run until late May. Boston GM Terry Francona checked in on him this week and was impressed. "He looks good. He's following through with a really good start to his offseason," said Epstein. He's lost some weight and he's in really good shape, so that's a good sign."Source: Providence Journal

During an appearance to promote an upcoming charity event, David Ortiz said the Red Sox need another power bat. "I say that like a year ago and everybody looked at me like I was a (expletive) clown. I say, ‘We need another 30 home run hitting guy.’ ‘What, you crazy!’ Everybody talking trash. Now what?" Ortiz said. "Everybody will always welcome a 30 home run hitting player. Every time, every situation. You want to compete with those guys across the street you better bring it, period." General manager Theo Epstein will attempt to re-sign Jason Bay, but are also expected to pursue Adrian Gonzalez to play first base.Source: WEEI.com

Peter Gammons of ESPN.com wonders whether or not the Red Sox might consider trading Josh Beckett.Gammons says that Beckett will travel to Boston in the coming weeks and see what the Red Sox’ feelings are on a contract extension.Beckett, who will turn 30 in May, has a $12 million vested option for 2010 based on [...]

WEEI.com's Rob Bradford reports Boston Red Sox SP Josh Beckett isn't likely to take a hometown discount to stay with the Red Sox.

Dave D’Onofrio of the Concord Monitor believes the Yankees were demonstrably better than the Red Sox this season (ignore the run differential).  To close that gap, he argues the Red Sox should trade Josh Beckett.  As is customary for such blanket assertions, he leaves the salient questions unanswered, to whom and for what in return?Though

Tony Massarotti, of The Boston Globe, reports the Boston Red Sox attempted to acquire Minnesota Twins SS J.J. Hardy before the Twins traded for him last week. The Red Sox were unwilling to part with either SP Clay Buchholz or RP Daniel Bard. The Brewers had little interest in P Michael Bowden, whom the Red Sox were willing to trade.

After a disappointing 2008 -- during which he went 2-9 with a 6.75 ERA -- Buchholz showed this season why the Red Sox refused to give up on him. He was actually better than his numbers would indicate, as he enjoyed a late-summer stretch during which he went 6-0 with a 1.05 ERA over eight starts. Not coincidentally, that dominant run coincided with the Red Sox separating themselves in the Wild Card race. With a strong start in Game 3 of the ALDS behind him, the 25-year-old righty proved he’s ready for the big stage, another indicator that he’s primed to ascend to fantasy-stud status next year.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said Monday that he has already penciled Clay Buchholz into the 2010 starting rotation. "Unlike last year, we can sit here and pencil him into our rotation for next year,’’ Epstein told a group of reporters. "It’s a good feeling.’’ Buchholz went 7-4 with a 4.21 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 16 starts during the regular season and held the Angels to two runs in five innings during Game 3 of the ALDS. He has all the tools to improve on his '09 stats and should make for a great value pick in fantasy drafts next spring.Source: Boston Globe

John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports Boston Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield (back) said he is feeling healthy three weeks removed from surgery. His surgeon said there is only a 6 percent chance that Wakefield will have a recurrence of the disc problems that hurt him this year. "I feel phenomenal," Wakefield said. "As soon as I got the grogginess out of my system from the anesthesia, I was doing laps around the nurses' station. I feel good. I'm not limping around. There's no more pain shooting down my leg, calf, hamstring and hip. I'm working to regain the strength I lost in my leg."

After undergoing back surgery in October, Tim Wakefield (back) is walking without the limp in his left leg that hampered him during the latter part of the 2009 season. "I feel great," Wakefield said. "I’m getting more strength in my calf and my hamstring. As a matter of fact, the doctor came in soon after surgery and I was doing laps around the nurses station with my wife with my IV without limping. It was that instantaneously. Dr. (Lawrence) Borges did a phenomenal job. He even said to me that he was surprised that I was pitching because the fragment they took out of my back was pretty big." The 43-year-old knuckleballer agreed to a two-year contract with the Red Sox on Monday and should be ready for the start of spring training.Source: WEEI.com

After undergoing back surgery in October, Tim Wakefield (back) is walking without the limp in his left leg that hampered him during the latter part of the 2009 season. "I feel great," Wakefield said. "I’m getting more strength in my calf and my hamstring. As a matter of fact, the doctor came in soon after surgery and I was doing laps around the nurses station with my wife with my IV without limping. It was that instantaneously. Dr. (Lawrence) Borges did a phenomenal job. He even said to me that he was surprised that I was pitching because the fragment they took out of my back was pretty big." The 43-year-old knuckleballer agreed to a two-year contract with the Red Sox and Monday and should be ready for the start of spring training.Source: WEEI.com

Michael Bowden was knocked around for seven runs on seven hits over three innings in his first big-league start of the 2009 season on Monday night. Bowden had posted a 7.84 ERA over six relief appearances for the Red Sox this season and looked no better tonight than those numbers would suggest. He struck out three and issued only one walk but yielded seven hits and four of them went for extra bases. He might get another start but clearly should be avoided.

News: Boston SP Michael Bowden, who got the nod on Monday against Toronto with Josh Beckett getting scratched, did not resemble Beckett in the start against the Jays. Bowden gave up seven runs on seven hits and a walk and lost as he lasted just three innings in a game that went seven and was shortened by rain. This was Bowden’s first start of the season as he had been pitching in relief. He’s now 0-1. Bowden allowed two homers and struck out three. His ERA is at 10.80 on the year.

Analysis: Bowden is unlikely to see another start this season as the Red Sox hope Beckett can return for his last start. Even if Beckett cannot return, Boston might chose another spot starter. Bowden is likely to open the 2010 season back in Triple-A, but he will be a candidate for the No. 5 starter's spot next spring, barring a trade

Bowden lasted just three innings in Monday's spot start against Toronto, allowing seven runs and seven hits.

Spin: Bowden also gave up seven runs on August 21 in a two-inning relief appearance and for the season, Bowden has an ERA of 10.80 in 13.1 innings. Bowden might get another start on Saturday if Josh Beckett (back spasms) is unable to go again, although it's hard to recommend Bowden at this point.Mon, Sep 28

Bard, Boston’s prized flame-throwing prospect, transitioned quickly and seamlessly to the big leagues upon his callup in early May. Of course, having a fastball that routinely touches 100 mph certainly helped him settle in. What happens with him going forward is something owners will want to monitor. There’s no doubt the Red Sox envision him as their closer of the future, but that future could suddenly become 2010 if the club opts to deal Jonathan Papelbon. While that scenario is possible, it’s unlikely. For the time being, it looks like Bard will be one of the most dominant setup men in the game.

Bard, Boston’s prized flame-throwing prospect, transitioned quickly and seamlessly to the big leagues upon his callup in early May. Of course, having a fastball that routinely touches 100 mph certainly helped him settle in. What happens with him going forward is something owners will want to monitor. There’s no doubt the Red Sox envision him as their closer of the future, but that future could suddenly become 2010 if the club opts to deal Jonathan Papelbon. While that scenario is possible, it’s unlikely. Regardless, at the very least Bard will be one of the most dominant setup men in the game next year.

General manager Theo Epstein said the Red Sox won't rush Daniel Bard into the closer role. "I think he has the physical ability to do that and I think we saw as he developed over the course of the year he has the mental make-up to do that as well," said Epstein. "...This is somebody who is still really a work in progress and while he may have the ability to do something it might not be the best thing for the long-term and his career if we force him into something." The 24-year-old right-hander posted a 3.65 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 63/22 K/BB ratio in 49 1/3 innings in his rookie season. Jonathan Papelbon certainly showed some warning signs in 2009, capped by his miserable performance in Game 3 of the ALDS, however if it is unclear whether the Red Sox will explore trading him.Source: WEEI.com Related: Jonathan Papelbon

Ramirez has been claimed off waivers from the Reds by the Rays, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Spin: Ramirez has posted good ERA's in his two trials with the Reds, though his component stats haven't necessarily supported that success. At Triple-A Louisville, he had a 4.03 ERA in 127.1 innings with a 78:50 K:BB.Mon, Nov 9

Rays claimed RHP Ramon Ramirez off waivers from the Reds. Not to be confused with the far superior Ramon Ramirez who remains property of the Red Sox, this one went 6-7 with a 4.03 ERA and 78/50 K/BB ratio in 127 1/3 innings at Triple-A this season. He could be a useful middle man.Related: Reds

Cincinnati's Ramon Ramirez has been claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse.

Our View: Ramirez posted a 3.65 era in 12.1 innings for the Reds last season. The Rays are looking to remake the bullpen this offseason, and this is a decent first step.

Peter Abraham, of The Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox RP Dustin Richardson will play in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Game Saturday, Nov. 7.

Richardson was added to the 40-man roster and called up to Boston, the Providence Journal reports.

Spin: Richardson gives Boston another arm for the final week of the regular season. He made his Red Sox debut Monday night, allowing two hits in 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.Tue, Sep 29

Richardson was added to the 40-man roster and called up to Boston, the Providence Journal reports.

Spin: Richardson gives Boston another arm for the final week of the regular season. He made his Red Sox debut Monday night.Tue, Sep 29