Red Sox Eyeing A Deep Team

With the signing of JD Drew right around the corner other deals could quickly follow. Let's start with a Japanese left-handed reliever named Hideki Okajima, all I have on him right now is that the Red Sox are in serious discussions with him on a 2-year deal. It appears San Diego has stepped up in its persuit of Manny Ramirez, and it is rumored any deal would include Jake Peavy, Boston is also interested in Adrian Gonzalez. As of right now I would suggest this as Theo's idea of what he wants on opening day assuming all the deals do happen this is what he will have. Rotation: Curt Schilling Josh Beckett Daisuke Matsuzaka Jake Peavy Jonathan Papelbon Bullpen: Tim Wakefield Hideki Okajima Julian Tavarez Lenny DiNardo Manny Delcarmen Closer To Be Decided Lineup: Coco Crisp - LF Julio Lugo - SS David Ortiz - DH J.D. Drew - RF Wily Mo Pena - CF Adrian Gonzalez - 1B Kevin Youkilis - 3B Jason Varitek - C Dustin Pedroia - 2B Bench: George Kottaras - C Alex Cora - IF Eric Hinkse - CI-CO

J.D. Drew, Welcome to Fenway Park

According to Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News, J.D. Drew is expected to sign a 2-year, $30 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.

It's Official

Konnichiwa! And it's now official. Boston has won the rights to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka for $51.1 Million.

Sox Target Justin Speier For Bullpen

Boston is rumored to be making a run at relief pitcher Justin Speier to either setup or close for the Sox in 2007. Boston has made offers to two pitchers thus far and it is not known if Speier is one of them. Speier played for the Toronto Blue Jays for the past 3 seasons, he's had his two best seasons in 2005 and 2006. For his complete career stats check out his ESPN.com profile. We will have more info on Justin Speier as it becomes available.

Boston Targets J.D. Drew

The Boston Red Sox have reportedly offered free agent J.D. Drew a contract. Sources speculate that the deal could exceed the deal Johnny Damon signed with New York last off season. By signing Drew, Boston could then have the ability to turn around and trade Manny Ramirez for pitching without worrying to much about production behind David Ortiz. Should Boston succeed in signing Drew, that would give them 5 outfielders under contract, in addition to Ramirez, Boston also has Wily Mo Pena, Erik Hinske and Coco Crisp under contract. Boston would seem likely to trade Ramirez and/or Crisp this off-season if they sign Drew. Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to take over center field in 2008 for Boston. More to come on this story as details emerge.

Daisuke Matsuzaka Stats

Boston Tops Matsuzaka Bids

According to numerous sources including Peter Gammons, the Red Sox have topped the bidding for Japanese star Daisuke Matsuzaka. The winning bid is rumored to be anywhere from $30-50 Million dollars. The bid only allows the team the right to negotiate with the player, should they fail to sign him within the 30 day limit he returns to Japan and the Sox would be off the hook for the bid cost. We will have much more when the deal is officially announced either at 8pm tonite or 8pm tomorrow night as both MLB and Japan officials have been giving different times.