Red Sox Bosses Busily Looking for Trades, Free Agents

One thing was clear after the first Hot Stove Luncheon in the Diamond Club at Fenway Park Wednesday afternoon: Boston’s stove is hot.

Lou Gorman, the Red Sox general manager, spent the better part of three hours answering questions about various trade possibilities as the latest free-agent acquisition, right-handed pitcher Jeff Reardon, met the Boston media.

Gorman’s theme went like this: “If we’re going to give up one player of value, we want to get two or three (in return) to plug some holes. That’s the direction we’ve been pushing in. ... I believe if I hang tough I can do it.”

A “player of value” is a player with a big name. Boston has a few.

Wade Boggs’ name has been linked to talks with Atlanta. Gorman, who spoke with Braves GM Bobby Cox Wednesday morning, said discussions are at a standstill. The Red Sox reportedly are seeking left-handed pitching (Tom Glavine and Kent Mercker) and an outfielder, perhaps Dale Murphy. Other than minor league talent, Atlanta probably wants more than just Boggs.

Left fielder Mike Greenwell has been coupled with other rumors. The Expos reportedly offered first baseman Andres Galarraga straight up for Greenwell. “If we plug just one hole, it does nothing for us,” Gorman said.

Now that closer Reardon -- a native of Dalton, Mass. -- has signed on with the team he grew up rooting for, stopper Lee Smith has moved to the forefront as trade fodder. “I’m not saying we’re using Lee Smith as trade bait,” Gorman said. “But if someone calls, you listen.”

The Red Sox might not be finished with the free-agent market, either. Hubie Brooks, formerly of the Montreal Expos, is available and the Red Sox have expressed interest. “I’d rather not comment on Hubie Brooks at this time,” Gorman said. Is an agreement close?

Word is that Brooks is leaning toward signing with a National League team, perhaps one on the West Coast. Brooks is believed to be seeking a three-year contract worth around $6 million. For the Red Sox, Brooks would play right field.

He would plug one of three holes that Boston has identified as priorities. “First base, right field and another (starting) pitcher,” Manager Joe Morgan said. Free-agent pitcher John Tudor also is of some interest to the Red Sox, although there have been strong indications that he’ll be in Oakland next year.

There are possibilities for other acquisitions. “I haven’t been getting a lot of sleep lately,” Gorman said. “I’ve been busy.”

Morgan: “I believe this year, with these (ballooning free-agent) salaries and all the other things happening, that you’ll see an awful lot of trading during spring training. Maybe more than ever.”

The Red Sox also announced these signings: right-handed pitcher Mike Smithson (one-year contract); right-handed pitcher Dana Kiecker (first time on major league roster after six years in the system); first baseman-outfielder Billy Jo Robidoux (signed to a Triple-A contract, hit .317 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI for the White Sox Triple-A Vancouver team last season); and outfielder Jeff Stone (Triple-A contract, appeared in 18 games for Boston).