Berkman still doesn’t know whether he wants to play, or whether he wants to play for the rebuilding Astros, for whom he played most of his career. The 36-year-old switch-hitter can still hit and actually would be quite a nice fit for the Red Sox if his right knee (two knee surgeries last season) is OK.

Cafardo notes that the Red Sox have been seeking a left-handed-hitting first baseman/outfielder, and Berkman would fit the bill as he’s played both positions over the past several seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Berkman resurrected his career with the Cardinals in 2011, hitting .301/.412/.547 with 23 doubles and 31 home runs over 488 at-bats. He dealt with injuries for much of his 2012 campaign, but the 36-year-old was effective when healthy, hitting .259/.381/.444 over 81 at-bats.