Schilling agreed to stay for a one-year, $8 million salary, with incentives that could boost the package to $14 million. The incentives include provisions for innings pitched and conditioning.
Sources familiar with the Lowell negotiations indicate that the popular third baseman - who officially filed for free agency yesterday - would need a third year guaranteed, and if he gets it, he's likely to take a hometown discount.
In recent days, the market for Lowell hasn't been as active as expected. Phillies GM Pat Gillick stated that he will not devote a lot of his resources toward a third baseman but will earmark the money toward pitching. Other Phillies personnel would love to see Lowell in Philadelphia.
The Yankees seem to be focusing on a trade for either Florida's Miguel Cabrera, whom Girardi managed and who is being made available by the Marlins, or the White Sox' Joe Crede.
Epstein wasn't specific on Lowell except to say no deal was imminent.
"We talk every single day to Theo," said Lowell's agent, Sam Levinson. "Nothing yet, but we're trying. Mike loves being a Red Sox and we're trying to make it happen."
As for Schilling, Epstein sounded thrilled to get him tied up, as he gives the Sox great flexibility with the starting pitching. With Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Tim Wakefield, and now Schilling aboard, the Sox can do a few things, perhaps even package a young pitcher in a trade.
Both the Twins and A's are eyeing Boston's young talent. The Twins might entertain a Johan Santana deal, while the A's might make Dan Haren available. Haren is interesting because he is tied up through 2009 at $4 million and then $5.5 million, with an option for $7.75 million in 2010.
The Sox would have to part with one of their young pitchers in either scenario, though a Santana deal would be contingent on getting him signed long-term, at money that could reach north of $20 million per season.
"We're probably out of the free agent market unless there's a real value there," said Epstein. "As far as the trade market is concerned, if we have a chance to add a real good, young, controllable pitcher, sure.
