Now that the Red Sox have a GM and are narrowing down the manager search it is time to begin to assemble the 2012 team. One of the biggest things Cherington needs to take car of is the closer. Papelbon is a free agent and will command some big money on the market. Yesterday we learned that the Phillies had begun talks with Pap so the Red Sox will have to pay up or look elsewhere; Bard is always an option despite his rough September. There will also be other free agent closers available in a pretty deep market. Yesterday Heath Bell said the Red Sox are on the list of teams he would like to play for.
Since the Giants got Melky yesterday they no longer need Beltran. Beltran was a possible trade target at the deadline this season so it is likely the Red Sox would look to sign him to replace Drew in the outfield for 2012.
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