Sox To Ink Renteria To Four-Year Pact
By Tom Singer / MLB.com
December 15, 2004
Edgar Renteria, for nine years one of the Majors' best all-around and most underrated shortstops, has agreed in principle to a four-year, $40 million contract with the Red Sox.
Renteria made the unofficial "announcement" himself, the Colombian telling reporters in his homeland, "They won the Series this year and I like to play on a winning team."
The four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner would now play on the team that swept him and the rest of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series.
However, Renteria's premature comments caught Boston officials off guard.
At the Fenway Park introduction of left-hander John Halama, who did officially sign a one-year deal with the Sox on Wednesday, club president Larry Lucchino said, "Players are free to speak their will whenever they like and we're happy that players are excited to come join us.
"But," Lucchino added, "I don't think we should have any further announcement until we have consummated the [agreement] and physicals are completed."
However, Lucchino seemed to have little doubt that general manager Theo Epstein will soon finalize the transaction and the Red Sox will have their shortstop for at least the next four years.
"We should have an announcement in 24 to 48 hours," Lucchino said, telling reporters for emphasis, "We're highly confident that we'll have you back in 24-48 hours for another announcement."
The Associated Press reported Wednesday night that Renteria will take his physical on Friday.
Renteria's brother Edison told the AP that an agreement on the terms was reached Tuesday night.
"We will travel to Boston later this week to define the details of the four-year contract," he said in a telephone interview from Barranquilla, Colombia. "Edgar is very happy. The conditions are excellent."
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