NAPLES, Fla. -- Theo Epstein took in the annual general manager's dinner Monday night at the Naples Grande Resort Hotel, and while he might be in front of cameras Tuesday night answering questions as the top bidder for Daisuke Matsuzaka, Epstein also disclosed on Monday that he has made formal offers to two free-agent pitchers.
Epstein also indicated he hoped to make a few more offers for free agents before he left the GM meetings on Thursday.
When and if the Sox nail down Matsuzaka they will have a starting rotation of Jonathan Papelbon, Josh Beckett, Matsuzaka, Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield. They also have the luxury of Julian Tavarez, who pitched well as a fifth starter, who will likely move back to the bullpen.
There was some speculation that Epstein has some interest in Barry Zito, a Scott Boras client who also represent Matsuzaka, Jason Schmidt and Ted Lilly. But it would appear there might not be any room at the inn for those high-priced pitchers when Matsuzaka is signed.
There are also second-tier types like Gil Meche, Miguel Bautista and Mark Mulder that might fit a need.
The Sox, like several other teams, are also looking to upgrade their bullpen. Names like Justin Speier, Eric Gagne, Scott Schoeneweis have all been mentioned as possible targets.
The Sox might also target outfielders J.D. Drew and Frank Catalanotto and infielder Julio Lugo, but Epstein had not made offers to any of them as of Monday.
