Playing hardball

Red Sox sign Wells, then throw offer to shortstop Renteria

December 12, 2004|Globe Staff

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- In a stunning array of gambits, the Red Sox yesterday reached an early-morning agreement on a two-year deal with David Wells, angled for All-Star shortstop Edgar Renteria, and appeared tantalizingly close to finalizing a contract with Pedro Martinez.

The Sox also remained actively engaged in talks with the A's about trading for Tim Hudson, though the competition was fierce and Boston likely would need to involve a third team to complete the deal. The Sox were vying with the Yankees, Cardinals, Dodgers, and Orioles. As if opening the Wells era in Boston were not surprise enough, the Sox attempted to stage a significant coup at the annual winter baseball meetings by wresting Renteria, a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover, from the Cardinals, who have tried mightily to re-sign their star shortstop. But the Cardinals remained in the hunt late last night, as did a surprising contender, the Tigers.

In case the Renteria talks collapsed, the Sox were exploring other options, including talking to the Mets about acquiring shortstop Kaz Matsui, possibly for first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz.

Sox general manager Theo Epstein also met with Martinez's agent, Fernando Cuza, after improving the team's offer to the three-time Cy Young Award winner by formally guaranteeing a three-year deal worth $38.5 million plus $2 million in performance bonuses. With a deal seemingly within reach, the sides planned to meet again late last night, Cuza said, "to explore some other things."

But Cuza also continued to negotiate with the Mets, who initially offered to guarantee Martinez $37.5 million over three years with a $12.5 million option for 2008 and appeared open to adjusting the terms. Cuza met with Mets general manager Omar Minaya Friday night and also was scheduled to speak with him again late last night.

While Cuza stayed in close contact with Martinez's suitors, Jason Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, continued talking with the Sox as the parties made progress, though no deal was imminent. Boras met with Epstein each of the first two nights of the meetings.

The Sox also were exploring a trade that would send outfielder Dave Roberts and righthander Byung Hyun Kim to the Padres for utility infielder Ramon Vazquez and outfielder Jay Payton.

What's more, Epstein, who has gone to great lengths to keep abreast of every development in the business, met with Carlos Delgado's agent, David Sloane, though it appeared unlikely the Sox would make a major investment in the former All-Star first baseman.

Epstein also seemed close to reaching an agreement on a one-year, $1 million deal with lefthander John Halama, who could provide depth for the rotation and a long arm in the bullpen.