Watch CBS News

Reports Offer Varied Opinions On Pirates' Chance To Land Lester

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – The trade rumors continue to swirl as the Major League Baseball non-wavier trade deadline is just a day away.

Rob Bradford from WEEI - the flagship radio station of the Boston Red Sox - joined "The Cook and Poni Show" on Wednesday to discuss the latest rumors with pitcher Jon Lester and the chance that he might be traded to Pittsburgh.

"When I went to bed last night, the Pirates were the leader in the clubhouse," Bradford said. "I think the Pirates are still the leader this morning, but teams like the Dodgers, Cardinals and Mariners are coming back at them with something better."

Bradford admits that what happens with David Price in Tampa will have an impact on what the Red Sox do with Lester.

"They are weighing all options here. There is no rush," Bradford said. "They expect a pretty big haul here. It's not going to be the David Price kind of haul, but pretty good or they will hold on to him."

Bradford tells the guys that Lester has indicated he will probably not talk extension with any team that he might be dealt to, which kind of throws a wrench into discussions.

So what would the Red Sox want back in exchange for Lester?

"They prefer a bat. They are looking for impact offensive players," Bradford said. "It's the hardest thing to find in baseball at the trading deadline, but they really, really, really want a bat back."

Pirates Could Be Leader In Clubhouse For Jon Lester

Earlier Wednesday, CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman joined "The Fan Morning Show" to discuss the Lester situation.

Shortly after the radio interview, he posted a story that detailed exactly where he felt the Pirates stand in the Lester sweepstakes.

In that story, Heyman says the Pirates have the third-best chance of landing Lester behind the Dodgers and Brewers.

"The Pirates aren't a team that's thought to be enamored by the rental route," Heyman says. "But, they could use another big-time starter and seem to be in this. They do have prospects, starting with pitchers Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow plus outfielders Josh Bell and Austin Meadows, who could help Boston."

Heyman's interview with "The Fan Morning Show" can be heard here:

Jon Heyman 7-30

RELATED LINKS:
More Sports From The Fan
Like The Fan On Facebook
Follow The Fan On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.