Red Sox rumors: Boston open to trading Andrew Bailey

The Boston Red Sox are open to trading closer Andrew Bailey, but may not do so with his trade value so low, reports Buster Olney of ESPN:

Rival teams say that Red Sox open to dealing Andrew Bailey--but because his value is currently low, odds of them trading him are pretty low.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 27, 2012

Acquired from the Athletics in the offseason for outfielder Josh Reddick, the 28-year-old Bailey did not make his debut for the Red Sox until mid-August because of a torn ligament in his right thumb. When the right-hander finally did make an appearance, things did not go well. Bailey made 19 appearances for the Sox over the last two months of the season, amassing a 7.04 ERA and a walk rate well above his career norms.

Bailey was stellar in his first two seasons as closer for Oakland, posting a 1.70 ERA and striking out exactly a batter per inning, earning him the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year award and two All-Star appearances. Injuries started to take their toll on the right-hander mid-way through the 2010 season, however, and things haven't really been the same since.