Sox, Epstein agree on multiyear extension by Mike Ghika
Meanwhile, GM touches the bases on numerous off-season topics

Theo Epstein, currently stationed in Dana Point, California for baseball's general managers' mettings, confirmed on Monday, November 3 that he and the club have already agreed upon a multiyear extension.

"That's done," Epstein said. "It was taken care of a while back."

Regardless, this extension was clearly far less painful than what transpired in the fall of 2005, when Epstein snuck out of Fenway in a gorilla suit to avoid a media frenzy on Halloween, and eventually resigned from his position only to return three months later.

But while this recent announcement came as no surprise, it was very Patriot-like of the organization to remain so quiet on the negotiations that took place (a trait the Sox have acquired since the aforementioned fiasco in 2005). It was said that the terms had been in place for months, but the agreement simply had not been signed in ink until recently by the 34-year-old Epstein.

"When you sit back and think about being a general manager, this is exactly the type of organization you'd want to work for," he said. "Great fans, great ownership and a tremendous foundation of our scouting and player development, which if we don't screw it up will lead to long term success."

With that said, there was only interest on Epstein's part in discussing upcoming off-season possibilities, rather than his new contract, of which the terms have not been disclosed.

Epstein's top priority, of course, is the possbile return of catcher and captain Jason Varitek. Varitek, whose 4-year, $40 million contract expired this past season, could indeed have potential suitors given his leadership qualities and game-calling abilities. The Detroit Tigers have sparked interest, but they may not be able to match the asking price of agent Scott Boras.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers have recently shown interest in Varitek as well. If so is true, it may mean that catcher Russell Martin is expendable in Los Angeles, which would definitely cause Epstein and company to inquire about his availability and potential asking price. If Manny Ramirez dodges the Dodgers for the Bronx (where Bobby Abreu has filed for free agency and Hideki Matsui seems ready to become a full-time DH, making this possibility more likely by the day), Dodgers' ownership may be willing to overpay for Varitek.

Rangers' catching prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia is still a player on the Sox' radar, as Texas still starves for young starting pitching, something the Sox have in abundance.

Seeing that Padres' starter Jake Peavy may be moved to a fellow National League team by the end of the week (the only AL teams he has waived his no-trade clause for are the Yankees and Angels, not the Red Sox), it looks unlikely he is on Epstein's radar, likewise for the high-priced CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett. While the free agent starting pitching class is deep, it also looks to be an expensive pool as well, making it more and more likely the Sox may hope to fill out the rotation in-house. And given the success of Clay Buchholz in the Arizona Fall League (a 2.60 ERA in four starts), the Sox may look to do just that, rather than hand out the big bucks to a veteran like Derek Lowe or Ben Sheets.

Instead, it looks more and more likely that Epstein will use that money to aggressively pursue first baseman Mark Teixiera. Adding Teixeira would not only strip him from the rival Angels, but it also would bring the Sox a Gold Glove caliber defender and on-base machine, not to mention a player who has never been anywhere near trouble or controversy off the field. It also would allow Terry Francona to hit Teixeira, MVP candidate Kevin Youkilis, and David Ortiz 3-4-5 (with outfielders JD Drew and Jason Bay to follow).

Of course, if the two sides do strike a deal, Epstein will look for potential suitors for 2007 World Series MVP Mike Lowell, who recently underwent successful surgery for a torn labrum in his right hip. A deal would require the Sox to eat some of Lowell's remaining contract, which is also the case if in fact the front office is fortunate enough to find a taker on the injured Julio Lugo.

Lugo is expendable as shortstop Jed Lowrie appears ready to take over the job, or is he? Reports out of San Diego say that the Sox have inquired about the availability of shortstop Khalil Greene, with outfielder Coco Crisp (whose value is currently sky-high) potentially heading out west. Nonetheless, the Sox would surely have to include a strong prospect as well if they ever wanted that deal to happen. But if for some reason it did, they make look at Lowrie to take on an Alex Cora-type role, as Cora is also a free agent. After all, Lowrie has proved he can play both shortstop and third base, and he would be a valuable switch hitter off the bench.

While Epstein will likely explore long-term deals with Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, and Jonathan Papelbon, he also noted that the returns of reliever Mike Timlin and first baseman Sean Casey are both not going to happen.

The heat on the hot stove has already exceeded cold, mild, and warm on its way to scorching. And fortunately for Epstein, with a contract not an issue this time around, he has the finances and resources to take care of business this winter in expectation of another playoff run in 2009.

Published on November 04, 2008

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