By Sean McAdam
CSNNE.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Almost before it gained any traction whatsoever, the report of the Red Sox talking to the Arizona Diamondbacs about outfielder Justin Upton was dismissed by Red Sox sources.
FoxSports.com reported that the Sox and Diamondbacks discussed the makings of a deal for Upton.
Remember that new Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers is a close friend of Theo Epstein's -- the two worked together for years in San Diego. Also remember that Towers loves to make deals, or at the very least, talk about making deals.
It's likely that Towers, knowing the Sox need outfield help, inquired about the Red Sox' interest in Upton and that the Red Sox responded by asking about the asking price.
"They'd want a ton for him,'' said a N.L. source, noting that Upton is just 23 and as recently as 2009 had an .898 OPS to go with 20 steals and strong defense. The Diamondbacks have Upton signed through 2015 on a six-year deal worth 51.25 million. That's a relatively affordable deal for a player with so much star power and potential.
Expect, however, more talk about the Red Sox inquiring on -- or at least listening to -- trade proposals for young outfielders who might be available. The Sox are said to be uncomfortable with the numbers that are being mentioned in association with the top two free agent outfielder -- Jayson Werth and Carl Crawford - and may think that pursuing an impact outfielder through a deal as a better course of action.
Boston Red Sox
Sean McAdam can be reached at smcadam@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sean on Twitter at http:twitter.comsean_mcadam