The deal is worth close to $48 million over the four seasons, with a fifth-year option that could be voided by the club if Millwood does not reach innings-pitched thresholds. If exercised, the fifth year would allow Millwood to make $60 million.
Boras had been seeking a five-year deal, presumably in line with the contract A.J. Burnett signed with Toronto (five years, $55 million), but the Sox evidently weren't willing to approach that threshold, given that Millwood is a medical uncertainty (he's visited the disabled list for shoulder and elbow ailments). With that kind of tread on the tire, the Sox weren't willing to add another bulky multiyear contract; they already have $66 million committed to six players in 2007.
Boras had praised the Red Sox earlier in the day, saying that co-GMs Jed Hoyer and Ben Cherington ''did a very good job" making their presentation to him and Millwood. Manager Terry Francona also was a part of the Sox contingent that met with Millwood in Boston the same day another Boras client, Johnny Damon, was introduced as a Yankee in New York. Team president and CEO Larry Lucchino was home in San Diego for Christmas weekend at the time of the Millwood meeting.
Millwood presumably would have been slotted behind Josh Beckett as the Sox' No. 2 starter. He has a 107-75 career record and 3.76 lifetime ERA, as well as a composed and professional presence that he fostered during his days in Atlanta and carried with him to Philadelphia and Cleveland. Indians GM Mark Shapiro, who couldn't afford to make a serious run at retaining Millwood, recently called Millwood ''an absolute warrior. Every one of our pitchers benefitted from him being on the staff."
Still, his history of arm trouble tempered Boston's interest. He's coming off three one-year contracts, a sure sign that his health risk must be seriously weighed. Millwood, who turned 31 three days ago, missed more than two months in 2001 with an inflamed labrum in his right shoulder, and missed a little more than a month in 2004 with a strained ligament and strained tendon in his right elbow.
