When the Boston Red Sox traded their starting shortstop, Marco Scutaro, last week, it was assumed that the move was made to clear salary to sign a starting pitcher. Roy Oswalt seemed the most likely candidate, as the best free agent pitcher still available and a player willing to sign a one year deal. Oswalt has not signed with the Red Sox as of yet and every indication is that he will sign with either the St. Louis Cardinals or the Texas Rangers so that he can remain close to his Mississippi home.

The Red Sox are continuing talks with Oswalt, but at this point it seems like a long shot for Boston to land the righty. With Boston still looking to add a starting pitcher, the number of options on the market is slimming down. The Red Sox have signed minor league deals with Carlos Silva, Aaron Cook, Justin Germano, John Maine, and Vicente Padilla in the quest for low cost starter options, but a reliable innings eater has still eluded them. With Oswalt out of the pitcher, the Red Sox have few strong options remaining.

Outside of the free agent market, the Red Sox have been connected to several trade options as well. As Oswalt comes off the market, many teams who had previously been unable to deal a starting pitcher for good value may start listening to the increasingly solid offers teams like Boston could start making. The Red Sox have been very active in the trade market so far and acquiring a starter this way would not be too hard to imagine.

Here is a quick look at the pitchers who remain viable options for the Boston Red Sox either by trade or free agency.