Rumors have been floating around for a few days so I figured it was about time we got on the record with this one: several sources, most notably Baseball Prospectus' John Perrotto, have been reporting that the San Diego Padres have some interest in bolstering their outfield and that Coco Crisp may be a possibility.  With the Pad's starting outfield currently consisting of Jim Edmonds, Brian Giles and Scott Hairston (with prospect Chase Headley waiting in the wings in the event of the inevitable injury to one of the vet's), I don't blame GM Kevin Towers for wanting some extra help.  Hairston isn't much more than a fourth outfielder / fringe platoon player, Giles and Edmonds are both huge injury risks (missing a combined 86 games last season) and perhaps most importantly, the Pad's don't have a prototypical leadoff hitter in their lineup.  As far as available or semi-available players go, Crisp would appear to be an attractive option to supplant Hairston in left (keep in mind, that is where he played for the Indians after Sizemore blew up) and step in to the leadoff spot in the lineup.  From the Sox's perspective, the Padres have a stable of respectable prospects and solid bullpen arms that would all but assure a deal could get done.  Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune doesn't believe anything will transpire, but it remains an intriguing possibility.  MLB Trade Rumors reports that at the very least, Theo and Towers get along well, so a deal could presumably get done.

In other Red Sox news, MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Sox kicked the tires on Detroit Tigers' third baseman (and perhaps the most expendable player in the major leagues with the recent acquisition of Miguel Cabrera) Brandon Inge during the Winter Meetings but were put off by the size of his contract.  Same with every other team considering Inge, and for good reason...  Inge has two more years remaining on a 4 year $24 million contract; that seems a bit much for a backup player, even in this market.  I assume the discussions took place prior to the acquisition of Sean Casey, as well, as the Sox seem to have no use for another corner infielder at this time.