Wednesday Links: Panda watch continues

The Red Sox long anticipated meeting with free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval has come and gone without any news of a deal. Sandoval, accompanied by his agent and his brother — acting co-agent — flew to Boston on Monday, and rendezvoused with the Sox brass on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The 28-year old’s maiden voyage to Boston included a dinner date with Red Sox DH David Ortiz, and a tour of Fenway Park; a field that the Kung-Fu Panda has never played on before. Later in the night, it was reported that Sandoval’s camp was fielding offers from both Boston and San Francisco, in the region of 5 years, $90M. While no final decision has been made by the former three time World Series Champion, Sandoval’s representatives are scheduled to contact the Giants via phone on Wednesday; perhaps to collect San Francisco’s final offer. Sandoval’s sweepstakes could be heading down the home stretch, and it’s just too close to call right now.

• While Pablo Sandoval was on the front burner for the Red Sox on Tuesday, it was reported that the team was busy on other fronts as well. A late Tuesday night report indicated that the team extended an offer to free agent left-hander Jon Lester. While the 30-year old is still scheduled to meet with multiple clubs this week, the Red Sox have been considered as one of the early for his services. Of course, any deal for the southpaw will approach 6 years, $150+ million. (Red Sox offer on table for Jon Lester)

• For as long as Pablo Sandoval has been linked to the Red Sox, so to have his supposed shortcomings. The 28-year old’s weight, declining power numbers, and his potential future as a designated hitter have all been discussed ad nauseam since the start of the offseason. But are the theories on Sandoval accurate assessments of what’s to come? (Examining our assumptions about Pablo Sandoval)

• While attempting to re-sign Jon Lester seems to be the Red Sox first choice to fix their rotation, the trade market holds some attractive secondary options. Of the available commodities on the trade front, Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels seems to be a fit for Boston on paper. However, Philadelphia’s asking price for the former World Series MVP remains sky high, making a deal with the Red Sox less ideal. (Unreasonable Phillies demands make Cole Hamels trade unlikely)

• Often times, players who are thought of as a team’s “top target” in free agency never actually end up signing with said team. Therefore, it’s important to remember all candidates on the free agent market, and keep an eye on who might be laying in the weeds. For the Red Sox, free agents like starter Chris Young and infielder Jed Lowrie could be names to keep an eye on. (A sleeper free agent target for Red Sox at every position of need)

• Tweet of the day: Sound good to you?