...No more laughing, no more fun? Actually the opposite could be said I'm afraid.

The owners are once again lining the pockets of some pretty marginal players. Some of these players, especially pitchers, are laughing all the way to the bank.

Now, not to say that Drew is a marginal player, but the $70 million over five years is certainly an indication of a changed market.

$14 million a year for a guy who could be a bigger head case than say Manny. At least you know what you are going to get and not get from Manny - a slugger who plays sluggishly.

$14 million is more than Johnny Damon earned last year with the Yankees.

Does J.D. Drew, who has not had more the 450 at-bats more than twice in his career, be worth as much as Damon?

Damon out scored, out hit and out homered Drew in 2006. Granted the lineup and ballparks are different, but Damon was a catalyst at the top of the order - something the Sox have lacked since his departure. Drew is not here to fill that hole.

$14 million is more than David Ortiz made last year too and likely more than he'll make this year. So why then would the Sox be offering so much?

Could this be a way to make Scott Boras (Drew's agent) happy; happy enough to get a better deal for Matsuzaka (also a client of Boras)?

$14 million makes Manny's $19 million seem pretty cheap.

But all eyes are on Manny. Everyone wants him (Angels, Dodgers, Phillies, Padres...) but no one is willing to put up so much. We've seen this before - The Sox appear to try but in the end couldn't get a deal done. So why bother?

Instead the Sox should exercise Manny's option years now. Keep him for the next four years and reap the benefits.

Then and only then can the organization focus on its true needs - a second baseman, shortstop and closer.

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