While conceding that Manny Ramírez may be coming back after all -- and where have you heard that one before? -- the Red Sox completed two moves that should significantly upgrade their offense, especially if the slugging left fielder is going nowhere, as manager Terry Francona suggested yesterday.
Agent Scott Boras confirmed yesterday that the Sox had completed a five-year, $70 million deal for outfielder J.D. Drew, who almost certainly will bat fifth and play right field. Then, late last night, the Sox struck a four-year, $36 million deal for their No. 1 target at shortstop, Julio Lugo, the onetime Tampa Bay Devil Ray whose glove is vastly inferior to that of departing shortstop Alex Gonzalez but who gives Francona a dynamic, speedy offensive player who projects to bat leadoff or second.
The Sox held off on an official announcement of both deals pending the passing of physicals, which should be routine. Drew's physical should come in the next four or five days.
"I think Drew is a great fit to complement our existing personnel," said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. "If you look, last year and the last couple of years -- especially last year -- a couple of our weaknesses were a No. 5 hitter and outfield defense, generally, especially with a fly-ball staff, which we have. Drew, if we end up signing him officially, he addresses both of those areas of concern."
