2008 Woodie Awards
Red Sox: who stays and who goes?
Todd Arsenault
Issue date: 11/13/04 Section: Sports
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All it took was 86 years, a $127,298,500 payroll, and a couple of self proclaimed idiots.
Now, Red Sox Nation can say that their Boston Red Sox are the champions. Baseball fans all over the country can finally agree that there is no curse, that the year 1918 is just another year, and that the Red Sox aren't losers anymore.
Maybe 1918 doesn't mean anything anymore, but the year 2004 sure is going to mean a lot. The Red Sox winning the World Series meant more than just winning a world championship. Many people thought of family members, their grandparents, parents, children who never got to see them win. For some of the most devout Red Sox fans, there may have been a few tears shed.
All 25 of the guys on the 2004 Red Sox will surely be legends in Boston for years to come, but which of these legends will be returning next year?
The Red Sox have a list of free-agents and some difficult decisions face General Manager Theo Epstein. The "big four" are whom Red Sox fans are wondering about: pitchers Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe, catcher Jason Varitek, and shortstop Orlando Cabrera.
Varitek, 32, has to be the number one priority for Red Sox brass. He is the heart and soul of the team and their team leader. By all indications, Varitek seems to be the guy the Red Sox would most likely bring back. There still are questions about a catcher going into a season turning 33 and how long he'll be able to handle the grind of a full season at the most grueling position in baseball. Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, has reportedly said he feels Varitek could get a five-year guaranteed deal. If that is the case the Red Sox may be saying good bye to their leader.
Martinez, 33, may be the toughest of the four to call. During the parade the pitcher looked to be the happiest of all the players and has said consistently that he wants to return to Boston. That could all change if the Red Sox offer him a two-year deal with an option on a third year similar to the contract of Curt Schilling. Martinez is reportedly looking for a three or four-year deal, and a said short year deal could "disrespect" him and Martinez may opt to wear pin-stripes in 2005.
Now, Red Sox Nation can say that their Boston Red Sox are the champions. Baseball fans all over the country can finally agree that there is no curse, that the year 1918 is just another year, and that the Red Sox aren't losers anymore.
Maybe 1918 doesn't mean anything anymore, but the year 2004 sure is going to mean a lot. The Red Sox winning the World Series meant more than just winning a world championship. Many people thought of family members, their grandparents, parents, children who never got to see them win. For some of the most devout Red Sox fans, there may have been a few tears shed.
All 25 of the guys on the 2004 Red Sox will surely be legends in Boston for years to come, but which of these legends will be returning next year?
The Red Sox have a list of free-agents and some difficult decisions face General Manager Theo Epstein. The "big four" are whom Red Sox fans are wondering about: pitchers Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe, catcher Jason Varitek, and shortstop Orlando Cabrera.
Varitek, 32, has to be the number one priority for Red Sox brass. He is the heart and soul of the team and their team leader. By all indications, Varitek seems to be the guy the Red Sox would most likely bring back. There still are questions about a catcher going into a season turning 33 and how long he'll be able to handle the grind of a full season at the most grueling position in baseball. Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, has reportedly said he feels Varitek could get a five-year guaranteed deal. If that is the case the Red Sox may be saying good bye to their leader.
Martinez, 33, may be the toughest of the four to call. During the parade the pitcher looked to be the happiest of all the players and has said consistently that he wants to return to Boston. That could all change if the Red Sox offer him a two-year deal with an option on a third year similar to the contract of Curt Schilling. Martinez is reportedly looking for a three or four-year deal, and a said short year deal could "disrespect" him and Martinez may opt to wear pin-stripes in 2005.