Pap & 17 Other Red Sox Signed

I watched the Red Sox-Dodgers game from Ft. Myers on ESPN today. It was an interesting game, as the Red Sox led most of the way. But of course in early spring training games, the stars disappeared after just a few innings, leaving the guys with what I call, the "football numbers." You know, the guys wearing numbers in the 80s and 90s who will be on their way to minor league camp soon.

The Red Sox were ahead 5-2 in the ninth, when we saw two Red Sox pitchers, who will probably only be in Fenway Park if they pay their way in someday, give up seven runs on two home runs to two guys on the Dodgers also wearing football numbers. Not exactly the dictionary definition of a tough loss.

But after the game the Red Sox announced they had signed Jonathan Papelbon to a one-year deal worth $775,000 (a record for a player with just 2+ years of MLB service). Pap had been foolishly running off his mouth about the money he's currently making. He's not in a position yet to do that, as the Sox call the shots on his contract as he doesn't have three years in MLB yet. Glad to hear this was resolved rather quickly. Don't worry, Pap, your big payday is coming. You'll just have to sit tight, but you will be eligible for arbitration next year.

The Sox also signed 17 players today to contracts, making their entire 40-man roster now currently under contract. Here is the complete list of who signed today:

AL Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury ($406,000 in majors, $62,500 in minors) and pitchers Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, David Aardsma, Craig Breslow, Bryan Corey, Manny Delcarmen, Devern Hansack, Kyle Jackson, Edgar Martinez, and David Pauley; catchers Dusty Brown and George Kottaras; infielders Chris Carter and Argenis Diaz, and outfielder Brandon Moss.