After a very long negotiating period, Jason Varitek has chosen to remain a Boston Red Sox. On Thursday afternoon, Varitek and the Red Sox agreedd on a one year contract that includs an option for the 2010 season. Varitek is expected to make $5 million in 2009. The option would also be for $5 million but if the team chooses not to pick it up then Varitek can choose to remain with the team for $3 million. In 2010, he can earn another $2MM in incentives based on playing time, beginning at 80 games started.  The incentives apply to the player option only.

What’s your opinion on the signing?

Jonathan Papelbon and the Boston Red Sox agreed on a $6.25 million dollar contract for the 2009 season. It was the first time that Papelbon was arbitration eligible and the Red Sox management did not want to go to a hearing so they got a deal on Tuesday. Papelbon will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season with the new deal.

Overall I think it is a good deal when you compare it to other closers and relievers out there. Great job by Theo and the upper management!

Great news Red Sox fans! Kevin Youkilis and the Boston Red Sox are expected to complete a new four-year contract that will keep Youkilis in a Red Sox uniform long term! With the new deal, Youkilis and the Red Sox will not go to salary arbitration which is a great thing.

The four-year deal is expected to be worth $10 million per year so $40 million total. The deal is pretty similar to the same one that second basemen Dustin Pedroia signed earlier in the off season. Youkilis hit .312 with 29 homers, 115 RBIs and a .569 slugging percentage in 2008 and finished third in MVP voting which Pedroia won.

Red Sox Blog

Wow, it sure has been a busy week for the Boston Red Sox as they have signed four players to contracts or are in the process of waiting for physicals to come before the contracts are signed. The team will be bringing in veteran pitchers John Smoltz and Brady Penny while Rocco Baldelli is coming home to play in the outfield along with Mark Kotsay who will also back up first base.

Smoltz’s contract offer is for $5.5 million but could reach $10 million with incentives. It will be interesting to see if Smoltz holds during year as he is getting up there in age (41). He isn’t expected to pitch until June 1st as he recovers from shoulder surgery as it is.

Kotsay will earn $1.5 million in 2009. I feel he is more valuable then that kind of money so for him to sign that kind of deal I think the Red Sox got a great bargain.

Baldelli will make $500,000 and probably serve as the teams fourth outfielder. Another cheap deal for the Sox that I like. Baldelli has been injured and only played in 28 games in 2008 but has received good news about his injury where there is treatment that will make it better.

The Brad Penny deal should finally be signed in the next couple of days. We blogged about that deal shortly after Christmas.

Good moves for the Sox!