FORT MYERS, Fla. — Trade talk is slow for now surrounding the Red Sox, though that could change in the next two weeks.

For now, teams are watching the Red Sox and evaluating players who might be made available later in spring as it comes time to get down to 25 players.

Drawing the most attention are righty Kyle Snyder and outfielder David Murphy.

Snyder is out of options, meaning if the Sox can’t find a spot for him, he’d have to be exposed to waivers before being sent to Pawtucket. According to baseball sources, both the Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins have shown some interest in Snyder, who’s versatile enough to start or relieve.

But one major-league executive yesterday said he would be surprised if the Sox dealt Snyder, noting his versatility, toughness and ability to throw his breaking ball for strikes.

“He’s more valuable (to the Red Sox) than anyone else,” said the executive.

Murphy can’t crack the Red Sox’ outfield and, at 25, might be better served going elsewhere. The Marlins have talked to the Sox about obtaining the outfielder, but haven’t yet come close to offering what Boston believes to be fair value. Houston is another team with some interest in Murphy, who played his college ball at Baylor and lives in Houston in the offseason.

More rest for Timlin

Mike Timlin was set to resume his throwing program today, but an examination by team physician Thomas Gill showed that Timlin’s oblique strain is still tender.

The medical staff prescribed two more days of rest. Timlin will be re-evaluated again Saturday and could throw then.

With less than three weeks to go before Opening Day, Timlin has yet to appear in a game, and it’s becoming increasingly doubtful that he’ll be ready on April. 2.

Tavarez struggles

Julian Tavarez, the leading candidate to close until Timlin is pronounced ready, again struggled with his control. In a two-inning stint yesterday against the Pirates, Tavarez hit a batter — giving him three hit-batsmen in 9 2/3 innings — and walked another, giving up two runs on two hits.

“I’m going to chalk up (the control problems) to a guy getting ready for the start of the season,” said Francona.

Lefty Kason Gabbard was sharp in his three-inning start, allowing just one hit. He said his biggest project this spring has been to improve the command of his fastball and throw more first-pitch strikes.

It’s likely he will open the season in Pawtucket.

Gabbard was expecting to pitch four innings yesterday, but the Sox amended that so that he can pitch Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles on three days’ rest.

Gabbard will take the spot of Curt Schilling, who doesn’t want to face a division opponent twice in the span of a week.

Schilling, who threw a simulated game Tuesday night, will throw in a minor-league game Sunday.

Matsuzaka gets a pass

The Sox asked for permission from the New York Mets (tonight) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (tomorrow) to use the DH in the N.L. spring parks, but were denied both times.

That means Daisuke Matsuzaka will get to hit tomorrow when he starts. Matsuzaka, who was 3-for-9 with a homer last year while playing for Seibu, told Japanese reporters that, in an effort to limit the chance of injury, pitching coach John Farrell told him not to swing during his plate appearances.

Around the bases

For the first time this spring, the Sox used what will almost certainly be their Opening Day lineup: Julio Lugo, SS; Kevin Youkilis, 1B; David Ortiz, DH; Manny Ramirez, LF; J.D. Drew, RF; Jason Varitek, C; Mike Lowell, 3B; Coco Crisp, CF; Dustin Pedroia, 2B . . . With two games on the East Coast the next two days (Port St. Lucie tonight, Vero Beach tomorrow afternoon), the Sox will bus over this afternoon, then fly a charter plane to Vero Beach tomorrow. Driving time to Vero Beach is about 3½ hours; flying time is expected to be 26 minutes . . . Outfielder Alex Ochoa, who won’t crack the Sox’ roster, continues to show everyone that he has one of the best outfield throwing arms in the game. Ochoa cut down Pittsburgh catcher Einar Diaz at the plate in the top of the ninth, saving a run.

smcadam@projo.com