Hitting Back :: A New York Sports Blog

That will be their new name after tonight’s deals at the Winter Meetings in Disney where apparently when you make a wish upon a star, it turns into a whole lot of money/overpayment for marginal talent. Just ask the two newest Red Sox:

-5 years $70 million for J.D. “DL” Drew- Sox fans will love a guy who has never played in more games than the 146 he got into with the Dodgers this past season. Did we also mention that his 100 RBI’s were the only year he’s ever reached that mark. In his nine-year career, the former St. Louis 1998 fifth overall selection has never been fully healthy for any season. While he is very talented both at the plate and in the field, committing that kind of length along with that kind of dough ($14 million average) is insane. How long will it take for Fenway to turn on Theo Epstein? With Manny Ramirez apparently on his way out or so it seems unless the Sox want to challenge the Yankees for highest payroll, I can see it now: “We want Manny! We want Manny!!! We want Manny!!!!!”

-4 years, $36 million for Julio Lugo- The versatile Lugo was in high demand as the Mets were also reportedly very interested. But come on! $9 million-per-year for a 31 year-old who is at best a middle infielder who can hit close to .300 with 10-15 homers and steal 25 bases. Maybe he’ll drive in around 60-65 too. He’s a nice player. But the cost is astronomical. He’ll play either short or second and probably hit second.

So the Red Sox added two 31 year-olds to their roster. What ever happened to getting younger?

They also added a lot of payroll. Just wait till they finally sign Japanese prize starter Daisuke Matsuzaka. Heck. They already bid over $51 million for the Seibu Lions Japanese star. They may as well sign him for another $70 million which would bring their shopping spree this winter to $250 million.

So when do the Cubs bag another free agent at a whopping price? Only in America.