Drew back with BoSox
The Boston Red Sox have agreed to re-sign Stephen Drew, six months after the shortstop had rejected a qualifying offer from the World Series champions to become a free agent.
Drew, who spent one season in Boston, turned down a $14.1 million offer from the Red Sox last year after helping the team capture their third title in 10 years.
The deal he accepted Tuesday, which is subject to his successfully passing a physical, has a $14 million salary. If he passes the physical and is added to the 40-man roster today, he would receive a pro-rated amount of $10,021,858.
“We have the ability, provided all things work out, we’ve added a very good player to improve this team,” said Boston manager John Farrell.
The 31-year-old may require a minor league stint before joining the Red Sox. Once he is ready, Drew will take over at shortstop and rookie Xander Bogaerts will shift to third base.
Drew batted .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs last year.
Obama to visit
Call it a walk-off home run for the Baseball Hall of Fame.
President Barack Obama is traveling to New York on Thursday to stress how tourism can lead to good-paying jobs, and he’s delivering his speech inside the baseball mecca in Cooperstown.
That will make Obama the first sitting president to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in June.
Clearing the bases
Prince Fielder is still out of the Rangers lineup. The slugger has a stiff neck. … Also, the Rangers optioned struggling catcher J.P. Arencibia to Round Rock and selected the contract of catcher Chris Gimenez from their Triple-A affiliate. … Cliff Lee will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a mild elbow strain, and the Phillies are relieved the injury isn’t more serious. Lee might be able to return as soon as he’s eligible to come off the disabled list. … The Angels have reinstated third baseman David Freese from the 15-day disabled list and optioned rookie infielder Luis Jimenez to Triple-A Salt Lake. … Manager Joe Girardi says Carlos Beltran will take swings early next week before the Yankees decide if the right fielder needs surgery on his right elbow. … The Cardinals have activated reliever Jason Motte from the 15-day disabled list. He missed all last season. … The White Sox placed closer Matt Lindstrom on the 15-day disabled list because of an injured tendon in his left ankle. The White Sox purchased the contract of right-hander Javy Guerra, who was 1-1 with a 2.33 ERA at Triple-A Charlotte.