Looks like Boston is backing off on trading Nomar Garciaparra and trading for Randy Johnson.

According to multiple industry sources, the Red Sox [stats, schedule] have expressed tepid interest in acquiring Randy Johnson from the Arizona Diamondbacks, but their chances of landing the Big Unit are being assessed at only 1-10 percent.

Johnson said Monday that he would only agree to be traded to a team with a legitimate chance to win a World Series championship and stressed that he wouldn't approve a trade to a team with a "theoretical chance to win." With the Red Sox, Anaheim Angels, New York Mets and Cubs each far from locks to qualify for postseason play, the only team that isn't a "theoretical" World Series contender at this point is the Yankees.

Reports that the Sox are discussing a three-team trade with the Chicago Cubs [stats, schedule] that would send Nomar Garciaparra [stats, news] to the National League club for prospects who would be sent on to the Diamondbacks appear to be extremely premature.

In fact, one of Garciaparra's teammates said the Sox informed the two-time batting champion over the All-Star break that they will not be trading him.

"I asked Theo if anything was happening and he said, 'No,' " Francona said before last night's series opener against the Angels. "So to comment on it is silly.

One industry source said the frenzy in New England about Johnson's acquisition in Boston is "bordering on comical" and estimated the Sox' chances of acquiring him at "one percent, if that."

I know I have been setting my self up for a severe let down if our best pick up at the dead line is Orlando Cabrera or Rich Aurilla. Over all I think it is a smart move to keep Nomar in Boston, even if he is disgruntled. Trading him would be like Babe Ruth all over again for Boston fans.

What is now scary is that Randy has supposedly said the Cardinals are one of the teams on his wish list. Most will say that the Cardinals don't have the money to afford him. But I would not put it past the Cardinals GM who has found creative ways in the past to get players. Randy Johnson with the Cardinals offense immediately propels them to World Series contenders and I can't imagine the Cardinals atleast entertaining the possibility.