I can't believe that I didn't predict it. It's just too simple.

Make a deal with J.D. Drew for whatever ($14 million-a-year) contingent on a physical. Use that show of good faith in order to get a deal done with Daisuke Matsuzaka and super agent Scott Boras. Then by the grace of, well, team doctors, find a loophole in Drew's physical in order to restructure his contract to make it more, err, edible.

Pure genius.

Drew yet to sign with Boston

Drew is staying with Boston there is little doubt. But now, the Sox have more leverage in negotiations. Look for them to adjust a number of incentive clauses in order to get the most bang for their money (games played, # of ABs). Perfect.

I believe the Sox acted in a premeditated fashion.

When healthy, Drew is incredible. When he's not, well, he's simply warming the bench and probably sulking on it too.

The whole situation has probably soured Drew. But he has little options. No other team is going to pay the $14 million the Sox agreed to, especially since they have tainted his durability in the marketplace.

We're getting close:
Lineup (projected)
This is not the lineup I would institute,but looks to be as close to the real one the team will go with.

Julio Lugo - SS
Kevin Youkilis - (1B - not that I would put him there
David Ortiz (DH)
Manny Ramirez (LF - he's staying)
JD Drew (RF)
Mike Lowell (3B)
Jason Varitek (C)
Pedroia/Cora (2B)
Coco Crisp (CF - might be nice wrap-around)

Bench: Eric Hinke, Wily Mo Pena and Doug Mirabelli

Rotation:
Schilling
Beckett
Matsuzaka
Papelbon
Wakefield

Bullpen:
Mike Timlin
J.C. Romero (lefty)
Brendan Donnelly
Julian Tavarez
Craig Hansen
Manny Delcarmen
Hideki Okajima (lefty)
------------------ (Open spot for Closer)

That's a lot of pitching and some younger guys will not make it again this year, but it looks like an improvement over 2006.

E-mail this entry to a friend