As many as four teams are looking to acquire Sox infielder Tony Graffanino.

01:00 AM EST on Thursday, March 9, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A handful of teams continue to show interest in the Red Sox' Tony Graffanino, making it more likely than ever that the spare infielder will be dealt before the start of the season.

Graffanino accepted salary arbitration from the Red Sox last December, effectively tying him to the club for the upcoming season. The two sides settled on a $2.1 million salary for 2006, but that figure isn't guaranteed and the Red Sox could pay him one-sixth of his salary in termination pay if they released him next week, or one-quarter of it if they were to release him at the end of the month.

But with enough trade interest, the Sox are expected to move Graffanino to another team. To date, according to multiple sources, the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs and Florida Marlins have shown interest. The Baltimore Orioles might also be interested if second baseman Brian Roberts experiences any problems in his comeback from shoulder surgery.

Graffanino, obtained from the Kansas City Royals last July 19, became the team's starting second baseman in the wake of an injury to Mark Bellhorn. Graffanino hit .319 with four homers and 20 RBI in 51 games while committing just three errors. But in Game 2 of the Red Sox' American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox, he allowed a ball to roll between his legs, setting the stage for a game-winning homer by Tadahito Iguchi. The White Sox went on to sweep the series from the Red Sox, but Graffanino was warmly received by Fenway fans prior to Game 3.

During the offseason, the Sox dealt catcher Doug Mirabelli for Mark Loretta to take over at second base, and with Mike Lowell stationed at third and Alex Cora available as a cheaper utility option, Graffanino has become trade bait.

The Sox would be interested in landing another outfielder -- Dustan Mohr and Adam Stern are the only extras now -- or some additional help at first base. They would also be willing to re-stock their minor league inventory and get a quality prospect for Graffanino.

Inside the Red Sox clubhouse, a number of Red Sox players, aware that Graffanino is going to be dealt somewhere, have proposed sending him to San Diego in exchange for the popular Mirabelli, who could reclaim his role as Jason Varitek's backup and Tim Wakefield's designated catcher.

But a baseball source familiar with the Red Sox' thinking labeled such a deal "unlikely."

John Flaherty unexpectedly retired Tuesday, leaving the Sox short on receivers, at least temporarily, with Varitek taking part in the World Baseball Classic and Ken Huckaby currently sidelined by a minor knee ailment.

smcadam@projo.com / (401) 277-7340