Tavarez To Sit, Papi About To Sign?

Julian Tavarez was suspended by Major League Baseball for 10 days for all the hijinks with the Devil Rays' Joey Gathright this past Monday at Ft. Myers. This will be the fourth time that Crazy Tavarez will be suspended for his loony behavior in his career. The Red Sox are encouraging him to drop his appeal so he will only miss eight games, as the Red Sox open the season with two off days in that ten day span. He still may appeal, so we'll see what happens.

But in far better developments for the Sox, WEEI radio in Boston is reporting that ESPN Deportes is saying that David Ortiz is very close to agreeing to a four-year extension with the Red Sox at about $50 million. That means Big Papi will be locked up through the 2010 season. The Sox brass are finally exercising some good judgment by not letting Papi go anywhere near free agency. If this deal does happen, they'll be getting him extended at a relative bargain price. Papi is known not to be hung up about money, and loves his situation in Boston.

Let's hope this new deal is announced soon, like before the first pitch of the 2006 season is thrown.