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Red Sox reach agreement with RHP Bartolo Colon

The Boston Red Sox have reached preliminary agreement on a minor league contract with right-hander Bartolo Colon, a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.

If he makes the Opening Day roster, Colon would provide rotation insurance for Boston, which will be without Curt Schilling, who is working his way back from a shoulder injury.

The White Sox, Cardinals and Astros also had been rumored as possible suitors for Colon this offseason.

Colon suffered through an injury-marred 2007 for the Los Angeles Angels, posting a 6-8 record and a 6.34 ERA -- the worst of his career.

In his 11-year career, Colon is 146-95 with a 4.10 ERA. He is a two-time 20-game winner, and he won the Cy Young Award in 2005 with the Angels.

--ESPN.com

Posted by Chris Venditto  at 7:01 PM | Permalink

Francona update

Sean McAdam reported this morning that the Red Sox and manager Terry Francona came to terms on a three-year contract extension worth $12 million. The club has now made an official announcement. The deal also includes two-year club option for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

“On behalf of John Henry, Tom Werner, Larry Lucchino, and the Red Sox organization, I am very pleased to make this announcement,” said general manager Theo Epstein. “Terry Francona has done an outstanding job in managing the Red Sox over the last four seasons. This is demonstrated not only in the three playoff appearances and two World Series victories but also in the way in which he handles the demands of managing in Boston on a day-to-day basis, both on and off the field. It also represents a strong and sincere commitment by our ownership.”

Negotiations were completed earlier this morning and Epstein told the entire squad of the news as the Red Sox players were stretching prior to the work out.

The three-year deal is worth approximately $12 million, making Francona the third-highest paid manager in baseball behind the Dodger' Joe Torre and the Cardinals' Tony La Russa.

“I want to thank the Red Sox ownership and management for their tremendous support,” said Francona. “From the resources provided by the ownership group and front office to a great collection of players and the passion and loyalty of the fans, there is no doubt that Boston is the best place to manage in the major leagues. I look forward to being in a Red Sox uniform for many years to come.”

Red Sox ownership had said that getting Francona an extension would be a priority, but talks only intensified last week with Francona's agent conducting talks on behalf of the manager.

McAdam reported last week that Francona and his agent had dinner with ownership to discuss a new contract. The manager's current deal, which he signed in February of 2006, was set to expire at the end of the '08 season.

This new deal more than doubles his 2008 salary of $1.75 million.

Sean will have more on this in Monday's Journal.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Sox, Francona agree on extension

Sean McAdam just called in this report from Fort Myers:

When the Red Sox leave the field this morning the team is expected to announce a three-year contract extension for its manager Terry Francona.

Negotiations were completed earlier this morning and general manager Theo Epstein told the entire squad of the news as the Red Sox players were stretching prior to the work out.

The three-year deal is worth approximately $12 million, making Francona the third-highest paid manager in baseball behind the Dodger' Joe Torre and the Cardinals' Tony La Russa.

Red Sox ownership had said that getting Francona an extension would be a priority, but talks only intensified last week with Francona's agent conducting talks on behalf of the manager.

McAdam reported last week that Francona and his agent had dinner with ownership to discuss a new contract. The manager's current deal, which he signed in February of 2006, was set to expire at the end of the '08 season.

This new deal more than doubles his 2008 salary of $1.75 million.

Sean will have more on this in Monday's Journal.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments 1