Schilling to Pitch Beyond 2007

It had been anticipated for awhile now that the 2007 season would be Curt Schilling's last, however, he expressed to WEEI on Monday morning that he plans on pitching beyond the end of this season.

This comes as good news for Boston as long as he can continue to be effective as he grows older. Rotoworld.com reported that if Schilling were to stay in Boston, he hopes to get a contract extension worked out before opening day.

Rumor: Sox In Trade Talks Regarding Helton

A rumor was circulating on Saturday afternoon that the Red Sox were in serious discussions with the Colorado Rockies regarding Todd Helton. While Helton could potentially be a very nice addition to an already potent attack, the pieces that the Rockies are requesting are hopefully enough to make the Red Sox shy away from making a deal.

The Red Sox should not even consider giving up Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buccholz, Craig Hansen or Manny Delcarmen (or any combination of the bunch for that matter) in return for Helton. Helton is aging and his skills are declining. It's also quite possible that Youkilis will be the better player in the coming season(s) and possibly Mike Lowell as well.

Boston should consider a deal if the Rockies are requesting the services of Mike Lowell and/or Matt Clement and are willing to eat some salary. Other than that, I'd rather just have the Red Sox stand pat unless they are making a move to solidify their bullpen.

JD Drew Signing Finally Official

The Red Sox announced the signing of JD Drew on Friday, and this time it's official. After weeks of negotiations with Scott Boras, the two sides finally struck an agreement to give the Red Sox protection against a future shoulder injured to Drew. The contract includes an out-clause that will allow the Red Sox to cancel the remaining years of Drew's contract if he goes on the DL with a right shoulder injury in his 3rd or 4th year of service.

I like the signing for the Red Sox, especially given the protection they received in the later years of the contract. They badly needed a #5 hitter and an upgrade in right field with the departure of Trot Nixon. If Dustin Pedroia can step up his game this season, the Red Sox offense will look very strong 1-9.

Red Sox Update

JD Drew: Theo Epstein was asked the other day about JD Drew and he said that he had nothing new to announce regarding Drew. It was reported several weeks ago that the Red Sox were to sign Drew, however, there were apparently problems with his physical which has stalled the signing. It still appears that Drew will end up in Boston once the language in his contract is fixed in a way that protects the Red Sox in case of an injury to Drew.

JC Romero: Romero was signed shortly after the Sox acquired Brendan Donnelly. Romero had a rough season last year but put together some good campaigns in Minnesota. He will likely get a chance to compete for a spot in the pen as a LOOGY.

Joel Pineiro: The most recent signing for the Red Sox was former Mariners starting pitcher Joel Pineiro. Pineiro has struggled in each of the past three seasons as a starter, but the Red Sox plan to move him into the bullpen and allow him to potentially be the closer for the 2007 Boston Red Sox. The contract is for $4 million dollars and a mutual option for 2008.

Runelvys Hernandez: The Red Sox also signed Runelvys Hernandez to a minor league deal. He is a player who has shown the potential to be a very good pitcher in the major leagues, however, he has yet to put it together over an extended period of time. Hernandez is 28 years old and will compete for a bullpen spot. I like the signing as it is a low risk move with some upside. Hernandez could also serve as a spot starter if one of Boston's regulars goes down.

In other news: Mark Loretta signed with the Astros and it is now being said that the Red Sox had no interest in Loretta at any salary level for the upcoming season. It appears that Dustin Pedroia is most likely going to start the season as the starting second baseman for the Red Sox.