BOSTONUnder the new free agent system, implemented by last December's new collective bargaining agreement, some free agents were offered qualifying offers last week.
Players who were given qualifying offers but sign elsewhere will cost their signing teams either a first- or second-round draft pick.
The Red Sox' first pick -- seventh overall, their highest pick since they selected Trot Nixon in 1992 -- is "protected," meaning they won't have to sacrifice it if they sign a free agent who was given a qualifying offer from their former club.
Instead, the Sox will have to sacrifice their second-round pick.
Among the free agents who were given qualifying offers: Nick Swisher. Two others in whom the Red Sox have an interest -- Mike Napoli and Torii Hunter -- were not.
"I suppose there were one or two surprises," said Cherington of the process. "(Having a protected first-round pick) is a factor, no doubt. It might be gallows humor, but finishing (among) the 10 worst records is probably better than having the 12th worst record (when the pick isn't protected)."
Asked whether the Sox would consider signing a free agent who was given a qualifying offer -- and thus, cost the Sox their second pick -- Cherington said it would be judged "case by case. I wouldn't rule out doing that, but can't rule it in yet, either. There's still value in a pick around that range, so we have to factor that into what it would cost to sign a player and what we would be getting.
Boston Red Sox
"But now everyone has all the information they need, players included, and can go in, knowing what the stakes are and try to hammer out the deal that they want."