NEW ORLEANS – Keith Foulke kept both Oakland and Boston waiting on Friday as baseball’s winter meetings opened without a decision from the top closer remaining on the free agent market.

Foulke is mulling offers from the Red Sox and the Athletics, for whom he went 9-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 43 saves last season.

“He’s an intelligent, thoughtful guy making a big decision. (He has) the ability to control it because he’s a free agent,” Boston general manager Theo Epstein said, adding later: “I don’t want to speak for him, but I think he’s excited about the possibility of pitching in Boston.”

Boston’s pursuit of Foulke, who made $6 million in 2003, is in contrast to last season, when the team tried to build a bullpen without a closer rather than overpay for someone who didn’t fit the prototypical role.

Epstein said he wouldn’t necessarily go after a different closer if Foulke chooses to stay with the A’s.

“We’re not pursuing Keith because he’s a closer. We’re pursuing him because he’s one of the best pitchers in the game,” Epstein said. “Our preference is to get Keith done at the right deal for us.”

Epstein said he talked with about seven other teams on the first day of meetings, mostly laying the early groundwork for possible deals.

In addition to filling out its bullpen, Boston is looking for a starting second baseman and a variety bench players.

Epstein and new manager Terry Francona also discussed filling out the coaching staff.