http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?id=64185
Quote:
Right back at ya: Red Sox ink Foulke
TSN.ca Staff with files
12/13/2003
The Boston Red Sox have secured a closer for the 2004 season and beyond, signing Keith Foulke to a three-year, $21 million contact on Saturday.
Foulke was mulling offers from the Red Sox and the Athletics, for whom he went 9-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 43 saves last season.
Boston's pursuit of Foulke, who made $6 million US in 2003, is in contrast to last season, when the team tried to build a bullpen without a closer rather than overpay for someone who didn't fit the role.
Boston GM Theo Epstein said he talked with about seven other teams on the first day of baseball's winter meetings, mostly laying the early groundwork for possible deals. In addition to filling out its bullpen, Boston is looking for a starting second baseman and a variety of bench players.
|
Wow, that taste of the post-season really lit the fire under the Red Sox this off season! This is a fantastic signing for them, and makes it tough not to argue they may have the best overall pitching staff in baseball now.
This really doesn't bode well for my Blue Jays though, because the Red Sox and Yankees have really escalated their pissing contest this year, and the Orioles seems ready to throw money at some high profile free agents like Guerrero. I like what the Jays have done this off season too, but it's going to be tough enough just to finish third in the division next season.