Red Sox Make Josh Beckett A Four-Year Offer

A few days ago, word spread that the Red Sox were unwilling to go to five years for Josh Beckett, like they did with John Lackey. At the time, this was considered an indication that Boston wasn't real serious, but those concerns would appear to be off base. Writes Buster Olney:

Contract negotiations between the Boston Red Sox and right-hander Josh Beckett have progressed to the point that there is optimism a deal will be completed in the next week or two, sources close to Beckett told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

Beckett, the sources said, has a four-year, guaranteed offer from Boston on the table. His deal could be along the lines of the free-agent contract John Lackey signed with the Red Sox this winter -- $16.5 million a year for five years -- in terms of annual salary. It could be worth a total package in the range of $65 million to $70 million, sources said.

Even without a fifth year, that's a healthy offer for a guy who'll turn 30 this May. Which isn't to suggest that Beckett is undeserving. Beckett's injury issues are overstated, as he's years removed from his blister problems and has averaged 30 starts a season since arriving in Massachusetts. On top of that, his statistical performance in 2009 was as good as it's ever been, and he can still pump his fastball into the high 90s when he needs to. Long-term contracts for starting pitchers are perhaps the riskiest investments a team can make, but Beckett's a special talent - even if he has been surpassed by Jon Lester - and Boston can afford him. It's a good fit.