There are some big name players whose current contracts with the Red Sox will be expiring at the end of the 2010 season.
Josh Beckett could test free agency for the first time. Once Beckett came over to the Red Sox Theo quickly tied him up for additional years. Other than his tremendous year in 2007, leading the Sox to another World Series, Beckett has fought injuries & consistentcy issues. He is still one of the 10 best pitchers in baseball. I think Theo will re-sign him, maybe before the year is over, to a 3 or 4 year extension.
David Ortiz is coming off an injury plagued season in 2008 & a 2009 year where he was non-existent for the first 2 months. He was also linked to steroids which he denied - in New York of all places. Big Papi was able to put together 3 good months to end up with 25+ HR's & 99 RBI. He will be motivated to do whatever extra work is necessary to get back to form & play for his next contract. I think Theo takes a wait & see as to whether or not they exercise a club option in 2011.
Mike Lowell was the 2007 MVP of the World Series & took a hometown discount to sign a 3-year deal with the Sox. Since then 2008 & 2009 have been injury-plagued due to his hip. Throw-in trade rumors last year if the Sox would have landed Teixeira & it shows you how quickly things change for any player in the bigs. If Lowell is healthy this year, he like Ortiz will be motivated to play for that next contract. I don't see the Sox re-signing Lowell after 2010 & there is talk that they may try to move him to another AL team as a DH.
There is no question that the 2011 Red Sox will look a lot different than the 2010 Sox.
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