Papelbon agrees lucrative deal with Phillies, MLB says

2011-11-11T14:00:19Z

(Reuters) - Former Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has agreed to a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies worth a reported $50 million, Reuters) - Newly hired general manager Dan Duquette vowed Tuesday to make once-proud Baltimore Orioles a title contender despite the presence of the free-spending New York Yankees

Cherington takes over GM job at Red Sox

2011-10-25T19:30:50Z

The Boston Red Sox introduced Ben Cherington as their new general manager on Tuesday, promoting him after his three seasons as Theo Epstein's assistant -- and this season's major collapse.

Cherington appeared at a press conference hours after the Cubs introduced Epstein as their new president of baseball oper...

Red Sox pitcher Lackey to miss 2012 baseball season

2011-10-25T18:30:42Z

Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey will have reconstructive surgery on his right pitching elbow and miss the 2012 baseball season.

Ben Cherington delivered the news on Tuesday, at the press conference where he was introduced as the new general manager of the Red Sox.

Lackey endured a tough ye...

Cubs officially open Epstein Era

2011-10-25T14:30:55Z

The Chicago Cubs officially introduced Theo Epstein as their new president of baseball operations on Tuesday, the luckless Cubs hoping he can help them end a title drought as he did the Boston Red Sox.

"Baseball is best of all when you win. That's why I'm here today," said Epstein.

"We're going to have to g...

New Cubs president Epstein promises "culture change"

2011-10-25T13:00:22Z

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Theo Epstein took the reins of the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, declaring he would engineer a "culture change" for the long-suffering club and recreate the excitement he had with his former team, the Theo Epstein from the front office of the Boston Red Sox to the Chicago Cubs was made official.

Epstein, whose move had been rumored and reported for more than a week, officially resigned as Red Sox general manager to become the Cubs' president of baseball operations.

The announcemen...

Epstein leaves Red Sox to take charge of the Cubs

2011-10-21T20:30:30Z

(Reuters) - Theo Epstein, who helped the Boston Red Sox snap an 86-year World Series drought, has agreed to become president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs where he will try to lead the tea...

Berkman, Ellsbury win comeback awards

2011-10-13T16:30:49Z

St. Louis outfielder Lance Berkman and Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury were named baseball's 2011 Comeback Players of the Year on Thursday.

Ellsbury, who played only 18 games in 2010 because of injuries, rebounded with a season in which he pos...

Red Sox split with manager Francona

2011-09-30T20:30:27Z

Boston parted ways with manager Terry Francona on Friday, a decision announced two days after the Red Sox's stunning September collapse ended with the team missing the playoffs.

In a joint statement released after Red Sox executives met with Francona, owners John Henry,

Boston manager Francona leaves Red Sox

2011-09-30T15:30:08Z

(Reuters) - Terry Francona's eight-year run as manager of the Boston Red Sox ended Friday when the Major League Baseball team announced he was not returning next season.

Fran...

Epic collapses claim Red Sox, Braves

2011-09-29T16:31:18Z

The newspaper headline said it all - "The Choke's On Us."

The Boston Red Sox completed the greatest September collapse to miss the playoffs in Major League Baseball history with a 4-3 loss on Wednesday at Baltimore that combined with a Tampa Bay

Red Sox win dubious distinction for biggest collapse

2011-09-29T11:30:15Z

(Reuters) - Untimely injuries, ineffective pitching and the failure of big-name players to perform when it mattered most are to blame for the epic collapse that kept the Boston Red Sox out of the postseason.

The Red Sox and Atlanta Braves were each within strik...

Tampa Bay Rays claim playoff berth as Red Sox fall

2011-09-29T04:30:26Z

The Tampa Bay Rays erased a seven-run deficit to beat the New York Yankees 8-7 in 12 innings and clinch the American League wild card playoff berth on Wednesday as Boston fell at Baltimore.

The Rays' triumph, on Tampa Bay suddenly turned the game on its head. Evan Longoria blasted a three-run homer to cut the margin to one heading into the ninth inning and Dan Johns...

Rays rally to snatch AL wild card from Boston's grasp

2011-09-28T22:30:05Z

(Reuters) - The Tampa Bay Rays snatched the American League wild card playoff berth from the clutches of the Boston Red Sox with a stunning 12-inning home victory over the Tampa Bay and Boston each won pressure-packed Major League Baseball triumphs on Tuesday to remain deadlocked for the final American League playoff berth entering the season's last game.

Rays trim Red Sox edge in wild-card race

2011-09-25T18:30:23Z

The Boston Red Sox saw their lead over Tampa Bay in the race for the final American League baseball playoff berth trimmed to only half a game on Sunday after a 6-2 loss to the arch-rival New York Yankees.

Yankees pitcher <...

Yankees pound Red Sox as Rays inch closer

2011-09-25T03:30:12Z

The New York Yankees defeated reeling Boston 9-1, opening the door for Tampa Bay to gain on the Red Sox in the American League wild card race.

Derek Jeter's thre...

Francona focusing on getting Red Sox turned around

2011-09-23T17:30:15Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Terry Francona, manager of the slumping Boston Red Sox, on Friday shrugged off reports that his job could be in jeopardy should the pre-season favorites fail to make the playoffs.

Boston, the pre-season pick to reach the World Series after ...

Yankees catcher Martin wants to knock out hated Red Sox

2011-09-22T17:00:20Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York Yankees have already clinched the American League East title but catcher Russell Martin has another goal in mind, knocking down the bid by arch-rival <...

Yankees capture division crown, playoff spot

2011-09-22T01:30:10Z

The New York Yankees have become the third Major League Baseball team to clinch a playoff berth, defeating Tampa Bay 4-2 while Boston lost to claim the American League East division crown....

Brewers stumble in title tilt, Cards close on Braves

2011-09-19T21:30:17Z

(Reuters) - Milwaukee had a minor stumble in their march to their first division title in 29 years when they lost 5-2 at the Chicago Cubs on Monday.

Looking to close in on their first division crown since 1982 and clinch a spot in the playoffs, the Brewers (9...

A's tame Tigers as Rays close on Red Sox

2011-09-15T23:00:07Z

OAKLAND (Reuters) - The Oakland Athletics snapped Detroit's 12-game winning streak with a 6-1 win on Thursday, halting the Tigers' march toward their first division title since 1987.

The Tigers had a chance to sew up the Reuters) - American League batting leader Adrian Gonzalez left Boston's game against Toronto in the seventh inning on Wednesday due to tightness in his left calf.

Gonzalez hit his 26th home run of the seas...

Rays loom large in Boston's rear-view mirror

2011-09-14T10:30:41Z

BALTIMORE (Reuters) - The Tampa Bay Rays have transformed from postseason afterthought to serious contender in under two weeks and manager Joe Maddon says the club already has a playoff mentality heading into a critical series against the

Wakefield finally gets 200th career win

2011-09-13T23:00:08Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Tim Wakefield ended the long wait for his 200th career win on Tuesday, the 45-year-old knuckleball pitcher picking up the victory in Boston's 18-6 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays

Red Sox crush Blue Jays 14-0 to lift spirits

2011-09-06T20:00:11Z

TORONTO (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox took out their recent frustrations on Toronto by bashing the Blue Jays 14-0 for an uplifting victory on Tuesday.

The Red Sox dominated at the plate and on the mound where pitcher TORONTO (Reuters) - The struggling Boston Red Sox's latest defeat was made all the more painful after ace pitcher Josh Beckett was forced to abandon the mound early in the game with a right an...

Rangers hammer Red Sox in possible playoff preview

2011-09-04T15:00:08Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Texas Rangers delivered the latest blowout victory in an 11-4 win over the Boston Red Sox that ended a three-game series of lopsided games on Sunday.

The American League West-leading Range...

Yankees rally and hold for 4-2 win over Red Sox

2011-09-01T21:30:05Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - The New York Yankees rallied from behind and held on through a tense ninth inning for a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday.

The Yankees' victory na...

Yankees overcome Red Sox in fiery battle

2011-08-31T00:00:07Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - The New York Yankees enjoyed a rare success over bitter rivals the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, the 5-2 victory in a hot-tempered affair enabling the visitors to tighten the battle for supremacy in the Reuters) - The New York Yankees fear missing Alex Rodriguez for the crunch series against the Boston Red Sox after both he and captain De...

Hurricane Irene batters weekend MLB schedule

2011-08-26T23:30:04Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A number of Major League Baseball games have been postponed over the weekend as Hurricane Irene moves ominously over the east cost of the United States, it was announced on...

Gonzalez powers Red Sox past Rangers

2011-08-25T21:30:06Z

ARLINGTON, Texas (Reuters) - Adrian Gonzalez hit two home runs to launch the Boston Red Sox to a 6-0 win over the Texas Rangers at Rangers Park on Thursday.

The win allows the...

Wilson pitches rampant Rangers past limp Red Sox

2011-08-22T21:00:10Z

ARLINGTON, Texas (Reuters) - Pitcher C.J. Wilson and the Texas Rangers took full advantage of an ailing Boston team in a breezy 4-0 shutout victory over the Red Sox on Monday.

Wilson cruised throu...

Red Sox put Youkilis on disabled list with sore back

2011-08-18T15:30:12Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox suffered a setback in their battle for top spot in the American League East on Thursday when they placed third baseman Kevin Youkilis on the 15-day disabled list with a s...

Rays 4, Red Sox 0

2011-08-17T21:30:11Z

David Price allowed three hits in eight scoreless innings and the Tampa Bay Rays blanked the Boston Red Sox 4-0 at Fenway Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Niemann stays hot as Rays, Red Sox split doubleheader

2011-08-16T20:30:30Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Boston and Tampa Bay split a day/night doubleheader on Tuesday, with Rays' starter Jeff Niemann pitching all nine innings in the second game to earn a 6-2 win.

The Tampa Bay right-hander...

Seattle rookie Furbush tames Red Sox

2011-08-14T16:30:12Z

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Rookie pitcher Charlie Furbush outclassed his far more seasoned opponent in Tim Wakefield to guide the Seattle Mariners to a 5-3 victory over the

Yankees rally past Red Sox to take division lead

2011-08-05T20:30:08Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - A strikeout with the bases loaded by reliever Boone Logan in the fifth inning sparked the New York Yankees to a come from behind 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox at

Cleveland's Masterson brings down Boston

2011-08-04T21:30:11Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Cleveland starter Justin Masterson got off to a rough start against his former team Boston Thursday but found his range to strike out nine and lead the Indians to a 7-3 win over the Red Sox a...

Ellsbury hits Red Sox past Indians

2011-08-02T23:30:09Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Jacoby Ellsbury lined a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to keep the Boston Red Sox in first place in the American League East with a 3-2 triumph over the

Ellsbury hit completes Red Sox rally over Indians

2011-08-02T22:00:04Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Jacoby Ellsbury lined a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to keep the Boston Red Sox in first place in the American League East with a 3-2 triumph over the

Red Sox batter White Sox as Lester shines

2011-07-30T20:30:10Z

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Red Sox starter Jon Lester received plenty of run support as Boston easily downed the Chicago White Sox 10-2 at U.S. ...

Travel Postcard: 48 Hours in Boston with children

2011-07-29T03:30:07Z

BOSTON (Reuters Life!) - Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the United States' oldest cities. It is home to historical sites and with 50 colleges and universities in the area it has a lively, youthful feel.

Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help visitors get the most...

Boston's big sticks bash Royals in 12-5 rout

2011-07-27T20:00:32Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - A second straight offensive burst carried the American League-leading Boston Red Sox to a punishing 12-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

A day after piling on the runs in a 13-9 win over Kansas City, Boston's bats st...

Wakefield notches 2,000th strikeout

2011-07-24T20:30:16Z

Tim Wakefield joined Roger Clemens as the only pitchers with 2,000 strikeouts for the Boston Red Sox, reaching the milestone on Sunday in a victory over the hapless Mariners.

Wakefield, a 44-year-old knuckleballer recorded the 2,000th strikeout of his career when he got Reuters) - The slumping Seattle Mariners had their losing streak extended to 13 games with a 7-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Friday.

Boston's starter

MLB players Ortiz and Gregg begin serving suspensions

2011-07-18T19:00:17Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz and Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kevin Gregg began serving th...

Red Sox win 1-0 marathon over Rays

2011-07-18T04:30:29Z

Dustin Pedroia drove in the winning run in the 16th inning and Jonathan Papelbon pitched for the final out as Boston outlasted Tampa 1-0.

Pedroia's single with two outs in the top of the 16th scored teammate Josh Reddick from third base and snap...

Rays rock Red Sox on Zobrist grand slam

2011-07-15T20:30:09Z

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Reuters) - Ben Zobrist slugged a grand slam homer in the second inning to launch the Tampa Bay Rays to a 9-6 victory over division rivals David Ortiz is appealing the four-game ban he received for his role in a dust-up between the Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles last week.

Ortiz was in the lineup against Tampa Bay on Friday as Boston's designated hitter. He can play...

Red Sox slugger Ortiz appeals four-game ban

2011-07-15T15:30:20Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Designated hitter David Ortiz was set to play for the Boston Red Sox against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday after appealing the four-game suspension he received from

Boston and Baltimore hit with bans after heated games

2011-07-15T09:30:52Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox and Kevin Gregg of the Baltimore Orioles have each been sus...

Cano edges Gonzalez to win homer derby

2011-07-12T03:30:17Z

New York Yankees' Robinson Cano used his powerful swing to edge Adrian Gonzalez and win the home run derby ahead of Tuesday's 2011 Major League Baseball all-star game.

Cano, who batted last, overpowered Reuters) - Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees belted a record 12 home runs in the final round to overtake Adrian Gonzalez of the

Hall of Fame manager Williams dies at 82

2011-07-08T10:00:14Z

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Baseball Hall of Fame manager Dick Williams, who led the Oakland Athletics to a ...

Hall of Fame manager Williams dead at 82

2011-07-07T19:30:53Z

Dick Williams, a Hall of Fame baseball manager who guided back-to-back World Series champions with the Oakland A's, died Thursday at his Las Vegas home at age 82.

Williams went 1,571-1,421 in a total of 21 seasons as a <...

Ellsbury, Wakefield carry Red Sox past Blue Jays

2011-07-06T20:30:33Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield kept the Blue Jays batters off balance as Boston scored a 6-4 win over Toronto at Fenway Par...

Red Sox send injured pitcher Lester to disabled list

2011-07-06T17:00:35Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox, deciding not to take any chances with injured ace pitcher Jon Lester, said on Wednesday they sent the left-hander to the 15-day disabled list with a muscle strain.

Lester suffered the injury during Tuesday's game against the

Red Sox ace Lester injures back in Boston win

2011-07-05T22:30:08Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Boston pitcher Jon Lester's promising start against the Toronto Blue Jays ended abruptly on Tuesday when the left-hander was forced to leave the game early due to a strained muscle on the le...

Bautista leads new era as All Stars named

2011-07-03T20:00:05Z

PHOENIX, Arizona (Reuters) - Toronto slugger Jose Bautista drew a record 7.45 million votes to lead the list of Reuters) - New York Times Co said on Friday it sold more than half its stake in the company which owns the Boston Red Sox baseball team, and is looking to sell the rest of its share.

The media group sold 390 of the 700 Class B ...

Kevin Youkilis, Jason Varitek, Terry Francona Star In Red Sox 'It Gets Better' Video

2011-07-01T11:00:07Z

Kevin Youkilis, Jason Varitek, Terry Francona are featured in the Boston Red Sox's It Gets Better video

Three Boston Red Sox – first baseman Kevin Youkilis, catcher Jason Varitek, manager Terry Francona – ar...

Lee hurls third straight shutout as Phillies top Boston

2011-06-28T19:30:24Z

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - A masterful Cliff Lee tossed his third consecutive complete-game shutout to steal top billing as the Philadelphia Phillies earned a 5-0 victory in their heavyweight matchup with the Reuters) - For five hours before a Missoula Osprey minor league baseball game last summer, Cheri Pijanowski hand washed 150 white folding chairs with bleach and water.

The metal deck and rails around the seats were power-washed and she meticulously reviewed the concession menu to eliminate not just PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - The Pittsburgh Pirates used six pitchers to piece together a 3-1 win over the Boston Red Sox at PNC Park Friday.

Pirates starter Reuters) - Australian Josh Spence's family will be crossing their fingers 10,000 miles away when the San Diego Padres take on the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, hoping the lefthanded pitcher gets the call from the

Boston win 14-5 as Gonzalez returns to haunt Padres

2011-06-20T21:00:08Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Boston's Adrian Gonzalez returned to haunt his former team as the Red Sox crushed the San Diego Padres 14-5 on Monday.

Gonzalez, who spent the last five seasons with the Padres...

Red Sox pitcher Buchholz on DL with back strain

2011-06-19T14:00:05Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - The American League-leading Boston Red Sox have placed starting pitcher Clay Buchholz on the 15-day disabled list because of lower back strain, the Major League Baseball<...

Red Sox hang on to beat Tampa Bay 4-2

2011-06-16T20:30:09Z

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Reuters) - The American League East leading Boston Red Sox held on for a 4-2 win over their divisional rival Tampa...

Josh Beckett throws one-hitter as Boston beat Tampa Bay

2011-06-15T23:00:14Z

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Reuters) - Boston's Josh Beckett tossed his first career one-hitter to lead the Red Sox to a 3-0 triumph over the Tampa Bay ...

Blue Jays send struggling pitcher Drabek to minors

2011-06-14T13:30:10Z

TORONTO (Reuters) - Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kyle Drabek was demoted to the minors two days after the right-hander was roughed up in a game against the Boston Red Sox, the

Boston's ace pitcher Matsuzaka has elbow surgery

2011-06-11T01:30:15Z

Boston's Japanese ace pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka had "Tommy John" elbow reconstruction surgery and faces a year of recovery before he can resume his Major League Baseball career.

Doctor Lewis Yocum performed the operation on Friday and Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox exploded with seven runs in the seventh inning to trounce the New York Yankees 8-3 in a rain-delayed match that ended early on Friday morning.

Boston sent 11 batters to the plate and stroked eight hits in the seventh ...

Red Sox beat Yankees for division lead

2011-06-09T02:32:08Z

David Ortiz hit one of Boston's three home runs as the Red Sox continued their 2011 dominance of the New York Yankees with an 11-6 victory that put Boston atop the American League East division.

Carl Cr...

Wakefield gets win as Red Sox blast Yankees

2011-06-08T20:30:13Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox notched their sixth win in a row over arch rivals New York on Wednesday, veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield picking up the win after Boston's bats hammered the Yankees<...

Boston closer Papelbon appeals three-game suspension

2011-06-07T20:30:09Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon will appeal a three-game suspension handed down by Major League Baseball on Tuesday after the fiery pitcher was eje...

Matsuzaka set for surgery, seeks Boston return

2011-06-06T13:30:32Z

Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka will need surgery to fix a torn right elbow ligament and at least a year of recovery to have any hope of resuming his Major League Baseball career.

The Red Sox placed the Japanese ace on the disabled list and the operation is expected to take pl...

Baseball pitcher Matsuzaka set for surgery

2011-06-06T13:30:26Z

Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka will need surgery to fix a torn right elbow ligament and at least a year of recovery to have any hope of resuming his Major League Baseball career.

The Red Sox placed the Japanese ace on the disabled list and the operation is expected to take pl...

Red Sox To Record 'It Gets Better' Video; Credit Sam Maden

2011-06-06T12:00:23Z

The Boston Red Sox announced Saturday that they'll record an It Gets Better video

The Boston Red Sox announced Saturday that they'll record an It Gets Better video and credited 12-year-old Sam Maden for the idea.

The move comes a week after the Reuters) - Daisuke Matsuzaka admitted on Sunday he feared for his Boston Red Sox future after learning he would have to undergo season-ending surgery on his right elbow.

"I was told the ligament was torn and for the elbow to fully heal, an operati...

Matsuzaka out, reportedly eyes surgery

2011-06-03T18:30:34Z

Japanese star pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was put on the 60-day disabled list by the Boston Red Sox on Friday even as a report claimed he has decided to have elbow surgery next week.

The Red Sox said Matsuzaka, 3-3 with a 5.30 earned-run average in eight appearances this season, is suffering with a sprained right elbow. He had been put on the 15-day disabled l...

Surging Cabrera rallies Indians over Red Sox

2011-05-23T21:00:14Z

CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Asdrubal Cabrera stayed red-hot with three hits, including the game-winning RBI in the eighth inning, to give the Cleveland Indians a 3-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox...

Mets, Yankees on menu in first taste of Interleague play

2011-05-20T17:30:11Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The first taste of interleague play in 2011 comes this weekend to Major League Baseball and 15 seasons after it was first introduced during the regular season some of the match-ups still create a buzz.

Metropolitan areas that are home to two MLB teams, like New York,

Sweet-swinging Gonzalez helps Red Sox beat Yankees

2011-05-13T21:30:06Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Big-spending Boston brought their new-look team to the Bronx for the first time to face arch-rivals New York on Friday and emerged with a 5-4 win over the Yankees after Adrian Gonzalez belte...

Wakefield cracks knuckles ahead of milestone appearance

2011-05-10T22:00:08Z

TORONTO (Reuters) - Tim Wakefield is a rare breed in Major League Baseball and the Boston Red Sox knuck...

Lester strikes down Angels as Red Sox maintain

2011-05-03T20:30:10Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox continued their dominance of the Los Angeles Angels with a 7-3 victory on Tuesday.

Starter Jon Lester struck out 11 and allowed ...

Weaver loses first start as Red Sox top Angels

2011-05-02T22:00:05Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox handed streaking pitcher Jered Weaver his first loss of the season with a 9-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.

Latest Red Sox flop leaves "stink"

2011-04-18T11:03:27Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox's early season woes continued on Friday when they fell to a 7-6 defeat by the Toronto Blue Jays at a chilly Fenway Park.

The Red Sox, considered a pre...

Gonzalez signs $154 million deal to stay with Boston

2011-04-18T11:03:01Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Slugger Adrian Gonzalez has agreed a seven-year, $154 million deal to remain with the Boston Red Sox, the Major League Baseball website (www.mlb.com) said on F...

Red Sox ink Gonzalez to 7-year deal

2011-04-15T20:30:12Z

The Boston Red Sox on Friday said they have agreed with Adrian Gonzalez on a new seven-year contract that will reportedly pay the first baseman $154 million.

"If you're going to make this kind of commitment, I think you have to be very comfortable with not only the player but also the person," Red Sox general manager Boston Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre smiles during a baseball news conference introducing him at Fenway Park in Boston, in this Jan. 8, 2007 file photo. Beltre and the AL champion Texas Rangers reached a preliminary agreement on a $96 million...

Obit Lajoie

2010-12-28T20:31:48Z

FILE-This Dec. 8, 2005 file photo shows Boston Red Sox special advisor/baseball operations Bill Lajoie responding to a question at a press conference. The former Detroit general manager who guided the team during its 1984 World Series championship season, has died. He was 76. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez,File)

...

Red Sox Crawford

2010-12-11T12:01:20Z

Carl Crawford wipes sweat from his face at a news conference announcing his signing by the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

...

Red Sox Crawford Baseball

2010-12-11T12:01:17Z

Carl Crawford tries on his new hat during a news conference announcing his signing by the Boston Red Sox baseball club at Fenway Park in Boston Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

Red Sox Baseball

2010-12-09T10:32:12Z

FILE - This Sept. 7, 2010, file photo shows Tampa Bay Rays' Carl Crawford following through on a two-run double during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston. Crawford has reached a preliminary agreement with the Bosto...

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