Beckett, Red Sox, agree to one-year deal

The Red Sox agreed a one-year deal with arbitration eligible ace Josh Beckett last night for the princely sum of $4,325,000. Beckett, who was acquired by the Sox earlier in the off season was voted the MVP of the 2003 World Series where he shut out the Yankees in the Bronx to win game six and the title of Champions.

He went 15-8 last year with a 3.38 ERA last season and there is little doubt that this guy has an all-star arm and ace stuff. The big question mark surrounding Beckett has always been his ability to stay healthy but he has constantly logged up more innings in every season that he's been a Major League ballplayer.

The amount is about half way between the number which Beckett and the Sox first put on the table, and I think it is very much fair value. Should he stay healthy next season then the Sox have got a good starting pitcher who'll perform very well all season long at a very reasonable price.