Open Thread: The Red Sox’s play for Mo

I didn’t quite have a chance to explore this angle in my afternoon ode to Mariano, but check out what Anthony McCarron had to say about the Red Sox’s bid for Rivera. It sounds as though Boston truly tried to pry the future Hall of Fame closer out of the Bronx.

The Yankees may have had some uncomfortable moments, however, when they heard that Rivera’s agent, Fern Cuza, had talks with the Red Sox and even fielded a two-year offer from the Yanks’ ancient rivals. While Rivera did not seem close to leaving for Boston, he didn’t say he’d never pitch for the Red Sox.

“They talked to Fern, they were interested,” Rivera said. “I really appreciate that. I know there was interest and I respect that. I respect the organization and the front office of the Red Sox. Like I said, I have to thank God and be grateful for that, that they were thinking of me.

“It was respect. The rivalry we have against each other and the tremendous organization. Just take it in consideration and the Yankees did what they were supposed to do and that’s the end of that.”

I appreciate how Rivera says the Yanks “did what they were supposed to do.” They have him his years; they gave him his dollars; and they get to keep Rivera. I’ll always wonder if the Red Sox were interested in Mariano simply to drive up his price in New York or if Theo Epstein pushed hard to find someone, anyone, more reliable than Jonathan Papelbon. For what it’s worth, Mariano Rivera has always said he respects but would never pitch for Boston. We didn’t have to test the strength of his claims.

Meanwhile, what a day, eh? Adrian Gonzalez isn’t on the Red Sox. Jayson Werth is on the Nationals, and the Winter Meetings don’t even officially start until tomorrow. Mike and Joe are on location in Orlando, and we’ll have plenty of coverage from the meetings.

In local action, the Giants and Knicks both won today while the Nets and Islanders did not. The Rangers are playing right now, and the Jets’ highly anticipated showdown with the Pats isn’t until tomorrow. You’ve got the Steelers and the Ravens for Sunday Night Football. Enjoy the open thread.