Source: Cherington, Farrell met with Hamilton

Share

NASHVILLE - Free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton, who earlier this week flew with his wife from their home in Dallas to be in town while the Winter Meetings are being held, met with Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington and manager John Farrell Monday night, a source said.
The meeting took place Monday night, away from the Opryland Hotel and Resort, where the meetings are housed.
Cherington confirmed that he had met with "a player'' while in town, but refused to identify him.
Asked whether the meeting came because the Red Sox requested it or whether it was the result of the player and his agent, Cherington was evasive.
"I'm not sure how it wasinitiated'' he said, "but we did meet with a player. I'm not sure exactly how it wasinitiated.''
Hamilton is represented by Michael Moye, with whom the Sox have done business before. Moye also represents former Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett.
Hamilton is probably the premier free agent player available on the market this off-season, but his expectations for a six- or seven-year contract have scared off many teams, who are concerned that at 32 and with a history of drug and alcohol abuse, Hamilton would be the ultimate risky investment.
The Sox have had some internal discussions about Hamilton in the event the market collapses and Hamilton is forced to accept a short-term deal, of say, three or four years.
Hamilton was the American League's MVP in 2010 and finished in the Top 10 of balloting this past season.
Most people in baseball expect that Hamilton will ultimately remain with the Texas Rangers, who have yet to make him an offer. The Rangers know Hamilton best and understand the value of having astrong support system around him.
Now that the Sox have signed outfielders Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino, it's hard to envision how Hamilton would fit into their plans. But given his talent, should his demands be reduced, the Sox would be interested in finding a way to make a fit.

Contact Us