Two former members of the Los Angeles Angels could be on the Red Sox' radar, but there are issues with both that could get in the way.
Outfielder Torii Hunter
The Sox' interest in Hunter is clear and obvious: they view him as a still-productive veteran -- he's 37 -- who could help the team in two ways: by providing slightly above-average defense in right field and some leadership in a clubhouse that could surely benefit from Hunter's professionalism.
Hunter is also long-time friends with David Ortiz -- the two were teammates with the Twins from 1997-2002 -- and with Ortiz returning for two more seasons, the DH could be a useful recruiting tool.
Hunter is believed to be seeking a two-year deal, which wouldn't scare off the Sox. And the team has plenty of available resources after shedding 259 million in their mega deal with the Dodgers last August.
But the list of teams chasing Hunter is long, and includes the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.
And here's the problem: at 37, nearing the end of his career, Hunter is said to be most interested in winning a World Series before he retires.
Of the other teams showing an interest, the Rangers, Tigers and Yankees all have a better chance of winning in 2013 than do the Sox. And you could probably add the Phillies to that list, too, even though they play a competitive division and didn't make the playoffs last year.
Pitcher Dan Haren
Haren had a 15.5 million option with the Angels last week that the club declined to exercise, instead taking offers to deal him before the option had to be picked up.
The Angels thought they had a deal in place with the Chicago Cubs, with Carlos Marmol going to the Angels. But the deal was later rescinded when the Cubs were scared off by the pitcher's medicals.
The Sox had briefly engaged the Angels in trade discussions regarding Haren, but like the Cubs, were worried about Haren's lower back issues and never got far in talks.
Last year was the first time since 2003, his rookie season, that Haren posted a losing record (12-13). Meanwhile, his 4.33 ERA was his second highest since 2005.
Worse, Haren's velocity wass down sharply from an average of 90.5 just two seasons ago to 88.5 this past season.
Haren's agent Greg Landry insisted that his client is completely healthy and that there is no shortage of interest.
Landry told the Boston Herald: "Hes healthy. Ive read a lot of stuff about it. Its no secret he was on the disabled list with the back, but he made his last 13 (starts). Its not a problem.
Perhaps not. But the Red Sox are proceeding carefully with Haren.