The Red Sox were trying to negotiate a deal for free agent veteran righthander Ryan Dempster Wednesday while still trying to resolve contract language issues with free agent catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli.

The Red Sox gained a roster spot Wednesday when they lost reliever Sandy Rosario on waivers to the Cubs, which gave rise to the thought that perhaps they were ready to add Napoli and/or Shane Victorino, who had his physical Wednesday and whose signing is scheduled to be announced at a news conference Thursday.