The Red Sox are still trying to figure out who will be their fifth starter this season, but the Nationals' John Lannan might not be the guy.
Despite a recent report stating otherwise, the team has not made an offer to the Nats for Lannan, according to WEEI.com's Alex Speier.
This news comes on the heels of a report by ESPN's Jim Bowden that essentially stated Boston was trying to acquire the 27-year-old left-hander.
"Nats listening to team's on Lannan but don't have to trade him because of $ if they don't get what they want back…Red Sox offer not close," Bowden tweeted.
But according to Speier, a major league source has indicated that the Sox made no offer whatsoever, and that there is no indication that the team will be active in pursuing the Washington left-hander.
The Nationals acquired pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson earlier this offseason, putting them in a position to potentially deal away Lannan, who went 10-13 with a 3.70 ERA in 33 starts last season.
Perhaps the Sox will monitor the situation throughout the rest of the spring. For now, however, it looks like there's no fire to accompany the smoke.
