Manny, Matsuzaka, Nixon and more

Theo Ready To Shove Manny Out The Door?

It seems more and more likely Manny Ramirez played his last game as a member of the Boston Red Sox in 2006. The team continues to offer no information on the status of Manny, but all indications are a deal will be made following the signing of J.D. Drew which could come as early as Monday. The hottest rumor has Boston targeting Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego, should that deal happen Boston will have arguably the best rotation in the majors next season. Boston would then also have another trade chip in Mike Lowell who certainly upped his value last season and at $9 million could be a bargain for someone. Adding Adrian Gonzalez would move Kevin Youkilis back to 3rd base.


Scott Boras Sets Value On Daisuke Matsuzaka

Bosas appears to be seeking a 6 year deal for about $12 million per season. Many had long expected the sticking point in negotiations to be length of the deal with Boras trying to get Matsuzaka on the free agent market after 3 seasons. With Boras seeking a 6 year deal, I think its more likely for Boston to go with the higher figure. In the end I anticipate a 6 year deal for about $10 million per season with incentives that could up the deal to $13-14 million per season. No deal is expected to be finalized til the last days of the negotiation window.


Sox To Stack Outfield By Offering Arbitration To Trot Nixon

The market has been so cool to Trot Nixon that he would most likely accept arbitration to remain in Boston. He would most likely receive a raise from last season to remain where he wants to be. His role would be to platoon with Wily Mo Pena next season in rightfield with Drew in center and Coco Crisp moving to leftfield to replace a departed Ramirez.


You can call me 'Okaji

Boston signed a lefty from Japan to a 2 year deal for $1.5 million per. Hideki Okajima was introduced to the media at Fenway thursday. Last season, Okajima served as setup man for the Nippon Ham Fighters, posting a 2-2 record with a career-best 2.14 ERA in 55 appearances for the Japan Series champions, who were managed by a Westerner, Trey Hillman. In his previous 11 seasons, Okajima pitched for the Yomiuri Giants, a team that inspired him to go by "Okaji" because of the longtime presence of home run king Hideki Matsui, now a New York Yankee. Okajima, who was an unrestricted free agent, came at a considerably lower price than what Japanese phenom Daisuke Matsuzaka may cost: The Sox signed him to a two-year deal that will pay him $1.25 million in each of the next two seasons, with the club holding a $1.75 million option for 2009. Okajima said he has met Matsuzaka, but that's about as far as their relationship goes. (boston.com)


Drew Deal On The Horizon

All signs continue to point to the Red Sox signing Drew, possibly as soon as Monday, when the winter meetings begin. By all indications, the Sox may be close to a deal with Drew that pays him $14 million per season, with a duration of either four ($56 million total) or five ($70 million total) years (the fifth year could also be an option year). Drew had 100 RBIs, 89 walks, 34 doubles, and a .393 OBP for the Dodgers last season. (boston.com)