Buster Olney has a cryptic note today on ESPN about JJ Hardy not clearing waivers.  He also mentions previous talks between the Red Sox and Brewers and wonders if those talks are starting up again.

Using Kalkman's TVC, Hardy is approximately worth about $10mm in a trade, which if youre talking about the Red Sox means a guy like Michael Bowden or Daniel Bard. 

The Sox need a Shortstop and the Brewers need to make way for Alcides Escobar.

If the Brewers had some foresight, they could have dealt Hardy during last year's offseason and gotten a very good #2 starting pitcher, which would have them in a much better spot than they are now.  Of course hindsight is 20/20 and there is nothing they can do about that now (I personally was a big proponent of moving Hardy last offseason to make way for the defensively superior Escobar to pick up pitching.)

Would the Sawx give up Bowden for Hardy?  Would the Brewers feel short changed in that deal?  Would they part with Bard?  The only plus right now that Bard could bring the Brewers would be as the 2010 closer, unless he reverts back his starter ways at UNC.

Thoughts?