Boston Red Sox Season Preview

Founded in 1901, the Red Sox are currently owned by John Henry. In the previous season, the team had the highest payroll than any other team in Major League Baseball history not to participate in the playoffs.

The Red Sox’s general manager Theo Epstein decided to start the franchise restocking for 2007 with one of the most expected acquisitions in recent history. In November 2006, the MLB announced that the team had won the bid for the rights to negotiate a deal with Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who had shown marvelous playing during the past seasons. Boston was given a month to complete a deal, and on December 13, 2006, just before the deadline, Matsuzaka inked a six-year $52 million contract.

Later, it was stated that Jonathan Papelbon would become a starter in the next 2007. The Red Sox proceeded with building up their team by signing Japanese lefty reliever Hideki Okajima, American lefty J.C. Romero, relief pitcher Runelvys Hernandez, Brendan Donnelly (from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim), infielder Joe McEwing, and outfielder Kerry Robinson.

Shortstop Alex Gonzalez was replaced with Julio Lugo, who proved to have been a better offensive player. J.D. Drew agreed to sign a five-year $70 million deal with the franchise. However, the medical staff found some problems in Drew's shoulder, which had caused several injures in the past, so the Red Sox are negotiating a new contract. Outfielder Gabe Kapler, one of the fans’ favorites, announced his retirement in order to become a coach. Joel Pineiro (who was playing for the Seattle Mariners) was signed to a one-year $4 million contract.

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