Gonzalez Signs New Deal With Red Sox

As has been anticipated since his acquisition this off season, it looks like Adrian Gonzalez and the Red Sox have finally reached an agreement on a new contract.  Reportedly, the extension is for $154 million over the next seven years.

Boston will now pay almost a combined $300 million for Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez through the 2018 season.  That's quite an investment.  Although the early returns haven't been too lucrative, these deals, over time, should pay major dividends.

While it does seem like the Sox broke the bank for this guy, let's look at it from a different perspective.  For the sake of comparison, Alex Rodriquez, himself, signed a ten-year $275 million contract extension with the New York Yankees.  Therefore, Boston is paying a similar amount for two of the game's best players.

Additionally, the Red Sox, will be paying the bulk of that money to these guys during the prime years of their career.  The Yankees, on the other hand, will be overpaying A-Rod an average of $27.5 million for a number of years when his most productive seasons are a distant glimpse in his rear view mirror.

Already having locked up core, young players like Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester, and Clay Buchholz for the long-term, these two new additions will help serve as the cornerstones of the organization and staples in the Boston lineup for many years to come. 

So, welcome to the fold, Adrian.  You're not in San Diego anymore, that's for sure.  No more nights of 5,000 fans watching you hit 387-foot bombs that are lazy fly balls at Petco Park.  You'll be an integral figure for one of the most passionate fan bases in one of baseball's most beloved and historical franchises. The expectations and pressures are a lot more intense, but the potential rewards will make it that much sweeter.

Now that you have your money, let's get back to the things that earned you this big paycheck -- punishing opposing pitchers and pummeling baseballs in a relentless fashion.  And, if it's not too much to ask, could you help win us a few more championships?  Thanks, Adrian.  You're the best!