Deal Framed for Lowell
While it isn't official, ESPN is reporting Mike Lowell has agreed to the framework of a 3 year, $37.5mm deal ($12.5mm per). Peter Gammons said Lowell could have had a 4 year deal from 2 other teams, but wanted to stay with the Red Sox. For those who were questioning the things that were important to Lowell, now you know. And as I mentioned yesterday, this is great work by the Red Sox. They get back an important piece at their price.
With this signing, the Red Sox have taken care of a all of their big outstanding issues. 25-man Roster:
c - Varitek
1b - Youkilis
2b - Pedroia
3b - Lowell
ss - Lugo
lf - Manny
cf - Ellsbury
rf - Drew
dh - Ortiz
bench - Crisp
bench - Cora
sp - Beckett
sp - Matsuzaka
sp - Schilling
sp - Wakefield
sp - Lester
sp - Buccholz
rp - Papalbon
rp - Okajima
rp - Delcarmen
rp - Tavarez
That leaves 4 spots open, a back-up catcher, a bench outfielder, a utility guy (with OF and IF capability, ala Hinske) and 2 pitchers (or 1 pitcher and another bench guy). Usually at this point, there is a ton to figure out and many questions to answer, but 2007 is different. Peter and I discussed this today, the lack of talent in the free agent pool means most, if not all of the major decisions are done. All that is left for Boston is to trade Crisp, fill out the bench and settle on the rest of the bullpen. Those are relatively minor decisions when discussing the 2008 Red Sox.
