Despite their need for another quality starting pitcher, the Red Sox may be keeping the door open to dealing away their best starter, left-hander Jon Lester.

According to a report in the Kansas City Star, the Red Sox are one of the teams that have discussed a deal with the Royals for their outfield prospect Wil Myers. The 21-year-old Myers is arguably the top player prospect in baseball. In a 2012 season split between Triple A and Double A, Myers hit 37 home runs with 109 RBIs, batted .314 with a .387 on-base percentage and .600 slugging percentage.

The Royals, according to the report, also have spoken with the Rays about a similar deal involving starter James Shields.

The Red Sox did not comment on the report.

No deal is close with either team, and there are no indications if the talks are ongoing or ever progressed beyond initial contact. The Royals may prove to be reluctant to pull the trigger. The Red Sox may want to wait and explore their options after free agent starter Zack Greinke signs, then decide if they can deal Lester.

The Royals have promising young everyday players including first baseman Eric Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas. General manager Dayton Moore, however, probably prefers to trade talent from their minor league system and be competitive immediately.

Brentz named

One of the Red Sox' top outfield prospects, Bryce Brentz, was named to the Arizona Fall League 2012 Top Prospects Team as the designated hitter. Brentz hit .297 and had an on-base percentage of .366 while slugging .438 (.804 OPS) with two home runs and 11 RBIs in 17 games.

Brentz also was named to the league's Rising Stars team earlier this month. His production in Arizona came close to matching the rate of his stats during 122 games with Double-A Portland and five games with Triple-A Pawtucket last summer. He hit .290 with a .349 on-base percentage and .465 slugging percentage (.814 OPS).


De Jesus assigned

Infielder Ivan De Jesus, part of the multi-player deal with the Dodgers in August, was assigned to Pawtucket after clearing waivers. De Jesus was designated for assignment last week to make room on the 40-man roster.

Joining De Jesus in Pawtucket on minor league deals are right-handers David Carpenter and Sandy Rosario. Carpenter came from the Blue Jays as part of the deal that allowed the Sox to hire manager John Farrell. Also, right-hander Jose De La Torre was assigned to Pawtucket.


Counsell out

According to FoxSports.com, Craig Counsell took himself out of consideration for the Red Sox' hitting coach job. The remaining candidates are Victor Rodriguez, Rick Schu, Scott Fletcher and Greg Colbrunn.