Buchholz Seeks 3rd Opinion On Back; Trade Deadline Looms

With Clay Buchholz scheduled to see back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins* in Los Angeles on Monday, there is a strong assumption that the Red Sox will grab a starting pitcher before the trading deadline ends at 4 PM on Sunday.

* NESN refers to Watkins as an "esteemed spine surgeon". Yikes!

Since it's next to impossible to know if any given rumour/report is real or a diversion or something in the middle, it's probably best to simply wait and see what happens. But it's very hard to not get sucked in ...

Ubaldo Jimenez is one possibility, and reports have the Padres* Rockies asking for third baseman Will Middlebrooks (the team's #1 prospect, according to Sox Prospects) and Kyle Weiland. The Denver Post states the Padres* Rockies want Middlebrooks and pitcher Anthony Ranaudo (#3 prospect).

* WTF?

Boston was reportedly "all over" Seattle's Erik Bedard, but the lefty lasted only 1.1 innings last night in his first start since coming off the DL (sprained left knee). Bedard walked four and allowed three hits and five runs.

Hiroki Kuroda of the Dodgers is reportedly "apprehensive" about waiving his no-trade clause and pitching for an east coast team. ... ESPN's Buster Olney says the Red Sox have talked with the Athletics about pitcher Rich Harden (and outfielder Josh Willingham). ... Another report says the Red Sox are curious about Carlos Quentin and lefty reliever Matt Thornton of the White Sox.

Naturally, a source said late last night that the Red Sox were "not close" to any deals.