With the Red Sox currently at 43-43, and just 2.5 games out of the final wild card spot, they are going to be very active at the deadline.

  • Ryan Sweeney could be on the block, The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman reported. With Jacoby Ellsbury close to returning, Sweeney will become expendable. 
  • Silverman mentioned the Cubs as a potential landing spot for Sweeney. The Cubs will likely look to move pitchers Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster at the deadline. 
  • Sweeney would have to be part of a much larger package if the Red Sox hope to acquire either of those pitchers, however.
  • The Red Sox need to be sellers, according to Silverman's colleague John Tomase.
  • Tomase said GM Ben Cherington needs to consider dealing veterans like Mike Aviles, Cody Ross and Kelly Shoppach. 
  • The Red Sox should focus on giving playing time to shortstop Jose Iglesias and cather Ryan Lavarnway.