Red Sox News & Notes

Reports are out tonight that the Red Sox have agreed to a 5-year/$70-million deal with free agent outfielder JD Drew. The talented Drew, who has been characterized as being soft during his career for spending too much time on the DL, can play either corner spot or centerfield. The word coming from the winter meetings is that the Sox plan on keeping Manny Ramirez (for now). By keeping Ramirez and adding Drew, the Sox could have a very impressive 3-4-5 of David Ortiz, Ramirez, and Drew. Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe is also reporting that the Sox have talked to the Pittsburgh Pirates about hard throwing lefty closer/set-up man Mike Gonzalez (long a favorite of TheBostonInsider). Just throwing this one out there -- maybe Gonzalez for Youkilis? Bring back Trot to play first (long shot!)? With Drew under contract (pending his passing a physical) and Ramirez staying, here is the current Sox lineup: 1B - Kevin Youkilis CF - Coco Crisp DH - David Ortiz LF - Manny Ramirez RF - JD Drew C - Jason Varitek 3B - Mike Lowell 2B - Dustin Pedroia SS - Alex Cora While the 3-4-5-6-7 isn't a bad group, the top and bottom of the order leave much to be desired. The Sox are talking with Julio Lugo's agents and may also be searching out trade partners to shore up second base and shortstop.