For the Boston Red Sox, it was a win-win situation by offering Billy Wagner arbitration. If he accepted, their bullpen would be bolstered by a power lefty set-up man capable of closing. If he chose to sign elsewhere, the Sox would get two draft picks. According to FoxSports.com and Boston media outlets, the latter has happened. The Braves have reportedly reached a one-year agreement with Wagner.
Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald writes, "........if Wagner signs with the Braves, the Red Sox would likely receive, barring a few unlikely contingencies, the Braves’ first-round draft choice, which is the 20th pick in next year’s draft, in addition to a pick in the supplemental round." This would offset the first round selection Boston will lose if they sign Matt Holliday, though they would also gain a first round pick and a supplemental pick if Jason Bay lands elsewhere.
Marco Scutaro is a Type A free agent, so he would cost the Sox a first-round selection, but other potential shortstop candidates like Adam Kennedy, Adam Everett and Bobby Crosby would not require surrendering a pick. Of course, out of those four, only Scutaro is palatable as an everyday shortstop. If Boston moves Dustin Pedroia to shortstop, it could sign Orlando Hudson, who would not cost a draft choice. The Sox are also said to be interested in Mark DeRosa, who would play second base.
I like the idea of Pedroia playing shortstop and either Hudson, DeRosa or Brandon Phillips (who is not a free agent) manning second base in 2010.
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