Fenway Fables

The Red Sox brought back their third baseman as Mike Lowell has apparantly agreed to a three year deal worth somewhere in the high $30 million range.  Lowell had a huge season in 2007 and that carried over into the playoffs when he won the World Series MVP award.

It’s a solid move although you have to be concerned about Lowell’s age.  Throw in the fact that he’s had some pretty mediocre years and this deal could backfire but my guess is Lowell will be motivated to help the Red Sox get back to the postseason next year.

Dustin Pedoria got the first place vote on 24 of the 28 ballots cast as he walked away with the American League ROY.  Delmon Young came in second place and Brian Bannister checked in at third.  Still, it wasn’t much of a contest.  Pedroia hit .317 on the season, which is an all time best for a rookie second baseman.  Pedroia also got it done on the field and he made just six errors.

In all, three different Red Sox rookies picked up votes for ROY.  Dice-K finished with twelve points and Hideki Okajima finished in sixth place with three points.

The Red Sox picked up a piece of their 2007 World Series team by signing Curt Schilling to a one year, $8 million deal.  Schilling could make as much as $13 million if he picks up all of the incentives in his contract.

This is huge because Schilling makes a solid option as a middle of the rotaton starter to go along with Dice-K and Josh Beckett in front of him.  I doubt if we’ll ever see the 2004 version of Schilling that went 21-6 but Schilling has remade himself into an effective starter and just as important, he’s good as gold come the playoffs.

Kevin Goldstein recently put out his list of the top eleven Red Sox prospects and man are things looking good.  Clay Buckholz and Jacoby Ellsbury top the list as five star prospects and both should play a role with the team in 2008.  2006 second round pick Justin Masterson comes in at number three and even he’s close and should start 2008 with Pawtucket.  Rounding out the top five are shortstop and 2005 first round pick Jed Lowrie and outfielder Ryan Kalish. 

Nick Hagadone, the Red Sox first round pick in 2007, comes in at eight after a nice season for in the minors last year.  He should start the season at Greenville.