Will There Be a Big Splash in Beantown?

The Evil Empire has shelled out over $210 million to convince hurlers Sabathia and Burnett to wear pinstripes. The Angels have made it clear that they want Teixeira back next year, with their eight-year deal rumored to be over $20 million a year. And in the midst of all this wheeling and dealing, things start getting more interesting in Beantown.

It seems that Theo Epstein has made his primary focus this offseason acquiring the switch-hitting power house, and Gold Glove first baseman, Mark Teixeira. Though you just can’t help but wonder if Epstein’s interest in the 28-year-old is sincere, or simply a ploy to drive the price on him higher for rival teams.

Boston already has Gold Glove sluggers on the corners with Youkilis at first and Lowell at third. One could argue that Lowell’s age is cause for concern, and that Teixeira and Youkilis could be the future corners for Boston.

Though that argument could easily be countered with the fact that Epstein has only awarded two free-agent contracts exceeding $40 million, Drew and Matsuzaka, in his six years behind the wheel. Epstein believes in developing young talent through their minor-league system, especially pitchers.

Derek Lowe has mentioned that he would like to return to Boston, and he seems to be the next big-money pitcher in line to await his destiny. He made his No. 1 concern clear to his agent, Scott Boras, when he stated, “With me, it's all about winning.” 

Lowe went on to say, “The team with the best chance of winning, year in and year out, is where I want to go.”

Since Boston seems to be focusing the majority of their energy on Teixeira, there hasn’t been much talk over Lowe. The Yankees were another team rumored to be a destination for the 35-year-old right-hander. But having to go big for Sabathia and Burnett, it’s unlikely that they will also be able to land the hard-throwing sinkerballer. Though it seems certain one place Lowe will not be playing next year is Los Angeles.

What Boston should be focusing on now, more than a Gold Glover who can nail moonshot’s from both sides of the plate, or a clutch-veteran pitcher, is a catcher. They have yet to hear back from Varitek on their most recent offer and are now choosing not to tender Kevin Cash a contract for next season.

It doesn’t mean he won’t be back for next year; it simply means they want to keep their catching options open and see how it all plays out. The end result could leave the Red Sox with a fairly inexperienced catching staff in 2009, or it could see the same staff as 2008.

But, of course, maybe that is what’s going on. Maybe Theo is sending Teixeira emails saying Tex owes him a steak dinner for driving up his market value. Or telling him that if it’s late in a playoff game and he’s up to bat for the other team, he better not forget who helped him earn his paycheck.