Sources close to the Boston Herald’s John Tomase say that scouts from 21 teams were at Chase Field in Phoenix to watch Brandon Webb throw in an Instructional League game. One team present were the Boston Red Sox.

Tomase says that Webb struggled a bit with his command while his pitches were in the 81-85 mph range.

Webb, a free-agent after this season, has not pitched since Opening Day of 2009. He experienced shoulder discomfort that eventually led to shoulder surgery in August of that year.

If he signs with any team, Webb most likely would have to sign an incentive-laden deal given his recent string of injuries but a good starting point for contract negotiations should be Ben Sheets, Brad Penny or Rich Harden money. Tomase suggests that Webb could be a buy-low player looking to prove himself with a one-year deal – possibly in the $4-7 million range.

The Washington Nationals are another team that may be interested in Webb. The Nats sent scouts to watch Webb last weekend.  Webb has a relationship with Nat’s GM Mike Rizzo. Rizzo drafted Webb in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft when he was director of scouting with Arizona.