YankeesRedSox.com

Josh Beckett today signed a 4-year, $68mm extension with the Red Sox.  That makes the top 3 starters all in Boston's long-term plans and the future 4th & 5th starter around a while too.

Beckett signed through 2014.

Lackey signed through 2014.

Lester signed through 2014 (2014 is a team option).

Buchholz under team control through 2013 (I think).

Matzusaka signed through 2013.

The Beckett deal is a good one in that they didn't go too many years.  I will say my confidence that he'll hold up for 5 more seasons including this one isn't high, but that could be a concern for just about every pitcher in baseball.

The next big contract discussion should be Victor Martinez, but he went on record the other day that he'd prefer not to negotiate during the season.  Not sure it'll get done.  Martinez is the 2nd best offensive catcher, but he isn't young and going too long on him might be a bad idea, especially if you see him catching full time.