It's a BC/LL snow job using a reporter IMO.
The Sox would love to trade Ells. They haven't gotten a good enough offer yet. So by making up a story about a clamoring market and BRS FO dead set against dealing their "linchpin", they are trying to create interest and a market for him.
Believe me - the first solid/fair offer that comes along is going to be considered very closely.
He does have an injury history and when he wasn't hurt last year his power was missing. The question is does building his value by the deadline/waiver period exceed his value now? Dunno. Nobody does. That's the rub.
I am not a con artist! I am a businessman! I have a big brain and I'm good at making deals! People are just jealous of my BIG BRAIN! BAD!
Guess who? The future X-Presdent...