Edwin Jackson Chronicles: Tuesday Edition

While there aren't any significant changes in the quiet -- yet ongoing -- Edwin Jackson sweepstakes, there are some updates that merit mentioning. Nick Cafardo says:

Lots of buzz out there about the possibility that free-agent righty Edwin Jackson may accept a one-year deal with a contender to improve his value and go back into the free-agent market next season.

That's industry buzz that fits in well with speculation that it's in his best interest to take a one-year deal. According to Cafardo's source, the Red Sox offered Jackson a deal in the $5-6 million range, similar to the rumored offer for Roy Oswalt. While that makes it sound as if the Red Sox are automatically out on Jackson -- Cafardo doesn't seem to think that'll get it done -- the fact Jackson isn't just going for the largest deal is a good sign:

Jackson and Boras would like to re-establish his value, since it just seems to be the Orioles interested in signing him for multiple years. While other teams could use Jackson on a one-year contract as much as the Red Sox, at least this evens the playing field, and makes things about the money. Somewhere like Seattle might help in terms of a pitcher-friendly environment, but they aren't going to compete this year like, say, Boston.

While the Red Sox are already in line to exceed the luxury tax, they also have a history of getting a few dollars more out of ownership when their guy is close to signing. Of course, the Red Sox also are deciding whether waiting to make a move later on is more important than locking someone like Jackson up now at a price that they aren't comfortable with, so we'll just have to wait and see how this develops.