Boston Red Sox

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Tuesday afternoon update: Sox talking to Burnett

01:41 PM EST on Tuesday, December 9, 2008

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS -- Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said Monday night he wasn't optimistic he would be able to get anything done during the winter meetings this week at the Bellagio Hotel.

That might change.

The Red Sox and free-agent pitcher A.J. Burnett have had significant dialogue, and there could be more on this development later today.

Epstein, manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell reportedly met with CC Sabathia on Monday, but it's Burnett who appears to be Boston's main free-agent pitching target.

The veteran right-hander posted an 18-10 record with a 4.07 ERA with the Blue Jays in 2008 in 35 games (34 starts). The 32-year-old opted out of the remaining two years of his deal with Toronto to become a free agent.

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