Friday, October 31, 2008

Tek Files For Free Agency

Jason Varitek was among 65 players who filed for free agency yesterday, joining Alex Cora and David Ross as Red Sox players to do so. (That guy who used to play for the Sox, Manny Ramirez, whose already announced he'll sell himself to the highest bidder, filed yesterday also.) Here's the complete list of the 65 who did.

Others from the Sox who can file are: Curt Schilling, Mark Kotsay, Sean Casey, Mike Timlin (who is expected to call it a career soon), and Paul Byrd.

The Red Sox, as well as every other team, have an exclusive 15-day window on their free agents, but on November 14th, they are free to sign with anyone.

The Sox are also expected to pick up the option on Tim Wakefield today, a $4 million bargain. It will be Wake's 15th season in a Red Sox uniform in 2009, the most of any pitcher in team history.

An online betting service has already made the Red Sox a 3-1 favorite to win the 2009 World Series. They also have the Cubs and Angels next at 5-1, and the champion Phillies (I have to get used to that) at 6-1. The Evil Empire is also at 6-1.

The Washington Nationals are the biggest longshot, at 300-1.

Is it my imagination or is it a little early for anyone to be posting odds on next season when the Hot Stove League is just getting started? More from Extra Bases on this, including each team's odds.

No comments: