Projo Sox Blog

BOSTON _ Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein sent Josh Beckett a text message once the organization was in the final stages of signing free-agent pitcher John Lackey to a five-year deal worth a reported $82.5 million.

In the text, Epstein wrote to Beckett: "Some might speculate this means the end of you in Boston. . . Don't listen to them. You're a huge part of what we've got going on here and we'd love it if it works out that you're a huge part of our future as well. Most important thing is we have one heck of a pitching staff now."

Beckett, who has one year remaining on his contract, quickly replied, saying he was very excited about Lackey's signing and he's ready to go for spring training.

"I don't think it impacts Josh nearly to the degree that people are speculating," said Epstein, who wouldn't comment whether or not he's had dialogue with Beckett's agent about a possible extension. But Epstein did make it clear at the end of the 2009 season that he wanted to discuss the matter with the pitcher this offseason and maybe come to an agreement.

Both the Lackey deal and the Mike Cameron signing are just the beginning of what Epstein could potentially do in order to upgrade the club in the near future. Not necessarily this offseason (although it's being rumored the Sox are in serious trade talks with the Padres in an attempt to acquire first baseman Adrian Gonzalez) but Epstein could pull off a trade once the season starts.

"We'll see," said Epstein. "We'll continue to monitor both the trade and free-agent markets and see if there are any further improvements we can make to this ballclub. With that said, I don't think we're going to be in a rush. I don't think we feel a sense of desperation. I think we like the mix we have right now.

"Generally speaking, it's easy to add a bat than a pitcher during the season," added Epstein. "I think our pitching staff is going to be extraordinarily deep, so if we go into the season with the mix we have now, and if a need for a bigger bat somewhere in the lineup does develop, I think that's something we can address during the season. By no means am I saying we're done, but I also don't feel a sudden rush to go out there and do something dramatic."

Since the Sox signed Cameron to a two-year deal worth a reported $15 million, it's very unlikely free-agent outfielder Jason Bay will re-sign with Boston. Epstein said the door isn't closed, but his comments reflected something different.

"I don't want to say the door is officially closed on any one player out there as a free agent, but Jason, in his year and a half here, did an outstanding job for us," said Epstein. "It's a trade we would make again, any day of the week. Whichever team does sign him, they'll be getting a quality person and quality player. We feel like we've landed a quality person and a quality player here today ourselves."

Once the Red Sox were ousted from postseason play after a three-game sweep by the Angels, ownership and management stressed the importance of signing a pitcher this offseason. The Lackey deal almost came out of nowhere, but it could solidify the rotation for a long time if Epstein is able to lock up Beckett, too.

"Now we have a chance to run out a really solid pitcher every day," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "It's very exciting. It's on paper right now, but it'll be our responsibility to get down to spring training and make it all work. It's very exciting."

Even though Lackey had some health issues in the past, Epstein did his due diligence and stated Lackey's past injuries were nothing serious or structural and the Red Sox are confidence he'll be able to take the ball every fifth day.

The Red Sox deviated from their practice of not giving a free-agent pitcher a 5-year deal, but after the Yankees gave A.J. Burnett five years and $82.5 million last winter, the Sox knew that deal would be a bench mark for someone like Lackey.

"Obviously you want shorter deals and you want to get the best deal you can for your club, but John is someone, with his track record and consistency, has put himself in a position to deserve a contract like this. If you look at last year's free-agent signings, certainly John ranks right up there with those guys who got similar contracts. It was something we had to think long and hard about, but in the end we believe in John and we believe in our pitching staff going forward. This puts us in the best position."

Now with Lackey and Cameron in place, and a pending trade that will send Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers, Epstein has the flexibility to make a move to add a potent bat. It remains to be seen when, or if, that will happen, but the Red Sox believe they're making the right moves for another possible run at October dominance.

 Tags  Joe McDonald John Lackey Josh Beckett Mike Cameron Terry Francona Theo Epstein

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