Report: Red Sox one of four teams to make offer for Cole Hamels

The Boston Red Sox are one of the four teams that have made an offer to the Phillies for the services of pitcher Cole Hamels, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

Cafardo cited various MLB sources that said the deal Boston offered the Phillies was heavy on major league players, as they are trying to avoid handing over their top prospects.

However, the Phillies are apparently steadfast on landing some young talent to stock up the farm system and are willing to wait until the trade deadline until they get the deal that they desire.

That said, if you feel like like this dance between the Phillies and Red Sox over Hamels has been going on for too long, we don't blame you. The Inquirer's Bob Brookover wrote about it four months ago at the general managers' meetings in Phoenix. Ever since, there have been lots of reports and rumors, but no actual deal.

It's not for any lack of effort by the Phillies. But effort and pragmatic maneuvering aren't the same thing. And until Hamels is gone - or Jonathan Papelbon or Ryan Howard, for that matter - the verdict on the Phillies' offseason isn't likely to change.