Lucchino willing to up payroll

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said on Friday the team would be willing to add to the payroll to improve the pitching staff.

In an appearance on MLB Network Radio, Lucchino said the team would be over the luxury tax threshold regardless.

“I don’t think there’s any question about that. We’ve been above the threshold the last couple of years,’’ he said.

“Our goal is to field a team with more homegrown players, fewer free agents, and to have a more manageable payroll down the road. But if you’re asking about this year, we understand that each year has to be taken on its own and this year our payroll is going to be, I’d hate to make a guess, but it’ll be well over the $178 million dollar threshold.’’

Roy Oswalt is unsigned, although he says he plans to join a contender. The 34-year-old righthander was 9-10 with a 3.69 earned run average in 23 starts for the Phillies last season.

Signing Oswalt would allow the Red Sox to shift Daniel Bard or Felix Doubront into the bullpen.

Thanks to Chet.