NEW ORLEANS -- One of the many options the Sox had for second base, journeyman Tony Graffanino, signed with the Kansas City Royals yesterday.
Graffanino got a two-year, $2.2 million deal with incentives from the Royals. The Sox had made him a two-year offer last month -- thought to be for $1.75 million -- and never upped their bid.
Other possibilities include Marlon Anderson, who played for Terry Francona in Philadelphia. Anderson spent last season with Tampa Bay and is likely to be non-tendered by the Rays.
"When you're looking for good economic opportunities, patience is a virtue," said general manager Theo Epstein, with an eye toward Dec. 20, the non-tender date.
The signing of Miguel Tejada by Baltimore may free up some trade possibilities with the Orioles. Either Brian Roberts or Jerry Hairston could be moved.
Epstein acknowledged that, given payroll limitations, the Sox might have to be satisfied with a defensive specialist at second.
"We have ground-ball pitchers playing prominent roles on our staff," said Epstein, "and we should be okay offensively throughout the rest of our lineup. Defense is going to be a priority (at second)."
Todd Walker, No headway on Williamson
The Sox haven't made much headway in moving Scott Williamson, in part because some teams believe the Sox plan to non-tender him. Epstein categorically ruled that out yesterday, guaranteeing that Williamson will be offered a contract.
The Oakland A's, who lost out to the Sox on closer Keith Foulke, have little interest in Williamson and seem set to sign Arthur Rhodes instead.
One logical fit for the Sox might be the world champion Florida Marlins, who won't re-sign closer Ugueth Urbina. It's possible the Sox could take lefty starter Mark Redman for Williamson then deal Redman elsewhere.
They'd prefer, however, to take prospects from the Marlins.
Also, Tampa Bay has expressed some interest in Williamson. The Rays also have a well-stocked farm system which could tempt the Sox.
After being close to shipping Scott Sauerbeck to the Cubs, that deal collapsed. Sauerbeck will be non-tendered and sign elsewhere.
Rule V draft today
The annual Rule V draft takes place this morning, and the Sox are poised to make a couple of selections.
"It's a good way to find some inexpensive help for your bench and bullpen," said Epstein.
Last year, the Sox selected pitchers Matt White and Javier Lopez and outfielder Adrian Brown. White saw limited duty before landing with Seattle. Lopez was dealt to Colorado during spring training while Brown played for Pawtucket last year and was promoted to Boston when rosters expanded.
The Sox are at 34 players on their 40-man roster, leaving them plenty of flexibility.
No on-field offers for Little
Former Red Sox manager Grady Little has had some job feelers from a number of clubs -- St. Louis, Atlanta and Chicago. All would be non-uniform positions, assisting the front office. . . . John Burkett, who was not offered salary arbitration by the Sox and is contemplating retirement, has interest from Arizona, San Francisco, Cleveland and Minnesota. Burkett would have to take a significant pay cut from the $5.5 million he made last year and isn't sure he's interested in taking less and being away from his Texas home. . . . Boston is moving closer to finalizing a coaching staff, with Brad Mills a strong possibility to serve as the bench coach and minor league manager Lynn Jones a good bet for first base coach.
