John Lackey is reportedly taking a physical for the Boston Red Sox, ESPN.com writes.

No deal has been finalized, but a source told ESPN.com that the sides are working on a contract. The simple fact that he is in Boston shows the gravity of Boston's interest, as a physical would be required before any deal was official.

The news comes as a surprise in Boston, as Lackey had not been prominently mentioned as a potential Red Sox target in recent rumors.

Lackey is widely considered the No. 1 free agent pitcher on the market and is a necessity for a Red Sox team looking to catch the New York Yankees in the American League East.

This suggests the Red Sox won't be going hard after outfielder Jason Bay, to whom they reportedly offered a four-year, $60 million contract. Bay rejected the offer.

This also suggests the Red Sox are wising up when it comes to their financial power. The team signed rehab projects John Smoltz and Brad Penny last offseason. The moves made sense, but a team with as much money as the Red Sox needs to spend it.

How does this impact Roy Halladay's future? Let's hear your comments.

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