The Boston Red Sox are apparently still in the running - some say frontrunner - in the race to trade for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana.

Are the Red Sox really interested, or just making sure the price is high?

Either way, somebody is going to over-pay for Santana (both in the trade and in a salary extension). It is another result of the chess match between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

Tickets for selected Red Sox games in April and May are going on sale on Saturday, Dec. 8. There will also be four-game packages available.

Because it is the Red Sox, it is complicated. Tickets will be sold over the internet and phone, except for a few selected, regsitered fans who will be invited to a special event on Dec. 8 at Fenway. Registration for that takes place today and next Monday.

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.

The Boston Red Sox have announced their 2008 schedule, which will begin in Tokyo. Below is the Red Sox press release and the schedule (I cut and paste the schedule from a Red Sox email. It was sent in two columns. It's a little rough, but it gives you an idea.

Curt Schilling has re-signed (a surprise, but a pleasant one) and Mike Lowell appears close to re-signing (which is big because the Red Sox need him, and the Yankees likely wanted him).

A nice first couple of steps for Theo Epstein after the World Series.

The Red Sox released the following press release about re-signing Curt Schilling. (While terms were not announced, the one-year contract is believed to be worth $8-million, with another $5 or $6-million in incentives):

Curt Schilling is close to signing a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, espn.com's Buster Olney has reported.

According to the report, Schilling would get a base salary of $8-million, with incentives that total $5-million based on innings pitched and his weight (interesting).

If true, Schilling could make the same ($13-million) as last season.

The Boston Red Sox retained control of catcher Dusty Brown by placing him on the 40-man roster (Brown was going to become a minor league free agent).

That leaves Boston with five catchers on its 40-man roster.

At least one has to go.