The blog is back. It has been nearly a month since the Red Sox danced about Coors Field. Seems like a good time to get back into the blogging routine.

Today's topic is another look at the Red Sox contracts. We touched on the subject right after the World Series. Now, with Curt Schilling and Mike Lowell re-signed, the Red Sox roster seems nearly set for next year, and in good shape for 2009.

If the Red Sox are able to extend Jason Varitek's contract, the Red Sox will have their starting regular lineup signed at least through the 2009 season (if Boston picks up the option(s) on Manny Ramirez).

Here is an updated look at the Red Sox 25-man roster, an their roster status:
UNDER CONTROL FOR '08
PITCHERS
Josh Beckett, through 2009 (team option 2010)
Manny Delcarmen, 2 years service time
Jon Lester, one year service time
Javier Lopez, eligible for arbitration
Daisuke Matsuzaka, through 2012
Hidecki Okajima, through 2008 (team option, 2009)
Jonathan Papelbon, two years service time
Curt Schilling, through 2008
Kyle Snyder, eligible for arbitration
Julian Tavarez, team option for 2008
Tim Wakefield, team option through 2008
CATCHER
Jason Varitek, through 2008
INFIELD
Alex Cora, through 2008
Mike Lowell, through 2010
Julio Lugo, through 2010 (team option 2011)
David Ortiz, through 2010 (team option 2011)
Dustin Pedroia, one year service time
Kevin Youkilis, eligible for arbitration
OUTFIELD
Coco Crisp, through 2009 (team option, 2010)
J.D. Drew, through 2011
Manny Ramirez, through 2008 (team options, 2009 and 2010)
Jacoby Ellsbury, less than one year service time

FREE AGENTS
PITCHERS
Eric Gagne
Mike Timlin
CATCHERS
Doug Mirabelli
INFIELD
Eric Hinske
OUTFIELD
Bobby Kielty

OTHERS UNDER CONTRACT
PITCHERS
Clay Buchholz, less than one year service time
Bryan Corey, less than one year service time
Brendan Donnelly, eligible for arbitration
Devern Hansack, less than one year service time
CATCHER
Kevin Cash, two years service time
OUTFIELD
Brandon Moss, less than one year service time

Of course, changes are still expected for next year. Crisp figures to be traded, a back-up catching option besides Mirabelli could be signed, and the bullpen still needs tweaking.

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