LAS VEGAS –– Day Two of the winter meetings came and went without the Red Sox pulling the trigger on a trade or a free-agent signing.

That’s not to say the Red Sox and general manager Theo Epstein weren’t engaged in possible transactions yesterday at the Bellagio Hotel.

Epstein said Monday night he wasn’t optimistic he would be able to get anything done this week, but it appears he’s laying the foundation to possibly change that scenario. The Red Sox and free-agent pitcher A.J. Burnett have had significant dialogue, according to the pitcher’s agent, Darek Braunecker.

Epstein, manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell met with top free-agent pitcher CC Sabathia on Monday, but it’s Burnett who appears to be Boston’s main free-agent pitching target. Epstein would not get specific last night with regard to who he spoke with yesterday, saying only that he didn’t meet with any players but did talk with teams and agents.

The veteran right-hander posted an 18-10 record and a 4.07 ERA for the Blue Jays in 35 games this year (34 starts). The 31-year-old opted out of the remaining two years of his deal with Toronto to become a free agent.

“We were able to do that because of the way he pitched this year,” said Braunecker. “We knew there was going to be a demand for a premium arm. You’ve never been able to question the stuff. He put it together and he’s ready to take that last step of his career and become an anchor of a staff. Whether it’s back in Toronto or with one of the handful of clubs we’re talking with. He’s prepared for whatever opportunity.

“The process is progressing,” added Braunecker. “At what point we get to the finish line, I don’t know. I didn’t come into this with the intent of getting something done, but if the right deal presents itself with the right club, we’ll act.”

Burnett has dealt with injuries in the past, but his agent feels his client is healthy and ready to make an impact for the team he pitches for.

“We believe he’s through those issues and he’s learned his body and learned how to add and subtract to the fastball so he can make 34 starts throughout the season and be that horse everyone is anticipating,” the agent said.

Burnett wants is to go to a winning team, according to Braunecker. Other teams are also involved in discussions with the pitcher, including the Yankees and Braves.

Also on Epstein’s to-do list this offseason is to land a catcher. The one thing the Red Sox have plenty of is pitching. The Texas Rangers have plenty of catching, and are attempting to move one of their young receivers for a quality pitcher.

With Jason Varitek’s future in Boston in question, the Red Sox are attempting to acquire their future catcher, and the Rangers may have the answer. Texas has prospects Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden behind the plate, and it’s possible the Red Sox would trade one of their many pitching prospects to acquire one of them.

Texas president and Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan said he has been in contact with the Red Sox, and there was communication between the clubs yesterday morning.

“We feel like, with our organization, we have the opportunity to make some trades with other organizations where we might try to get pitching back,” Ryan said. “We feel like we’ll have an opportunity to do something in the next couple of days.”

When asked if he has had a chance to scout Red Sox pitching prospect Clay Buchholz, who is a Texas native, Ryan said: “Oh, yeah, I think he’s a real talent. Obviously, being a Texas kid we think he’ll look really good in a Texas uniform.”

When told yesterday afternoon that Ryan had said he was interested in Buchholz, Epstein responded: “I’m sure he is.”

He also let it be known that Buchholz –– despite his off-year in 2008 –– is still considered valuable Red Sox property.

“In our minds, he’s a top-of-the-rotation starter who we control [contractually] for six years,” said Epstein. “He’s very high-priced, and we value him tremendously.”

jmcdonal@projo.com