According to a major league source, the Red Sox have reached an agreement with catcher Kelly Shoppach on a one-year, $1.35 million deal. The contract is guaranteed. News of the agreement was first reported by Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com (via twitter)
Shoppach, taken with the Sox' top pick in the 2001 draft, hit .176 with a .268 OBP, .339 slugging mark, .607 OPS and 11 homers in 87 games with the Rays last season. It marked the third straight season in which the 31-year-old has seen declines in his average, OBP, slugging percentage and OPS since a career-best 2008 season in which Shoppach hit .261/.348/.517/.865 with 21 homers for the Indians.
Shoppach made his big league debut with the Sox in 2005, playing nine games in the majors and going 0-for-15. He was traded that offseason to the Indians as part of the deal that resulted in the acquisition of center fielder Coco Crisp. Shoppach spent four years with the Indians before being traded to the Rays prior to the 2010 season. He threw out 41 percent of potential base-stealers last year, the top caught stealing percentage in the American League.
The acquisition of Shoppach likely spells the end of Jason Varitek's tenure in Boston. For more on the move, visit the Full Count blog. For more on the Red Sox, visit weei.com/redsox.
Patriots punter Zoltan Mesko joined D&C to chat about being labeled the most interesting man in the NFL. He shows off his multilingual skills, who he idolizes, and his upcoming charity event.
Christopher Price joins John Ryder to discuss Wes Welker signing his franchise tender. They also discuss what a crowded Patriots receiver corps will look like once the season starts, as well as the situation in the backfield.
Wes Welker joins Mut and Merloni to discuss his current contract status with the Patriots, if he thinks he'll be at the mandatory mini camp in June, and if he can see himself missing regular season games.
Sixers TV Analyst Marc Jackson joined John & Gerry to preview Celtics-Sixers Game 7. He discusses how dangerous the Sixers are because they don't have a go-to guy, Doug Collins' role in getting the Sixers to a Game 7, and if the Sixers will be up for the challenge.
We speak to Danny Ainge for our weekly interview and get his take on the Celtics ugly performance in game six, what to look for in game 7, and we try and get some inside info on the Celts many injuries.
Celtics radio analyst Cedric Maxwell joined D&C to chat about the Celtics lack of effort in Game 6. He discusses how Bradley has enhanced Rondo's play, the C's lack of depth dues to injury, and what the Celtics need to do to win Game 7.
NESN Red Sox analyst Jerry Remy joined the guys to discuss why the Sox have been playing better since their players only meeting. He touches on how fun its been to watch their makeshift lineup play, Bobby Valentine's shuffling his roster due to injuries, and Adrian Gonzalez willingness to play the outfield to help the team.
Bobby Valentine & Joe Castiglione on a rare no-move day today in Baltimore to preview Sox/irds
Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine joined D&C to discuss Kevin Youkilis' return from the DL. He also discusses juggling his lineup with all the injuries, Adrian Gonzalez volunteering to play the outfield, team leadership, and how the players only meeting influenced the Sox turnaround.
Bruins Defensman Andrew Ference wraps up the Bruins Game 7 loss. He touches on just how the Capitals beat them, what his thought were on Ovechkin's performance, and how Tim Thomas' decision not to attend the White House visit affected the team.
NESN's Andy Brickley joined Dennis and Callahan to discuss the NHL playoffs and preview game 7 of the Bruins and Captials.
We're joined by NESN's own Jack Edwards after the Bruins knocked off the Caps in dramatic fashion to force a game 7 showdown this Wednesday at the Garden. Jack says: Bet on the Bear!
WEEI.com Columnist Kirk Minihane joined Dennis & Callahan to chat about his column blasting Curt Schilling. He discusses if Schilling's decision was just a money grab, Curt's responsibilities to 38 Studios, and what role politics played in the downfall of 38 Studios.
Sixers TV Analyst Marc Jackson joined John & Gerry to preview Celtics-Sixers Game 7. He discusses how dangerous the Sixers are because they don't have a go-to guy, Doug Collins' role in getting the Sixers to a Game 7, and if the Sixers will be up for the challenge.
CNBC Sports Business Reporter Darren Rovell discussed his recent conversation with Curt Schilling about getting into the video game business. Darren talks about people being caught up with who Schilling is when they made the business decision, if Schilling was confident his company would be successful, and what people are most upset about wiht the story.
Mut and Lou give their Over/Under on a number of sports topics for the upcoming weekend.
Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the Celtics and their chances going forward without one of their best defensive players, Avery Bradley.
Kevin Millar joins the show and discusses Adrian Gonzalez's HR slump and his defense in RF, the "new" Manny Ramirez, and Daniel Bard.
We speak to Danny Ainge for our weekly interview and get his take on the Celtics ugly performance in game six, what to look for in game 7, and we try and get some inside info on the Celts many injuries.
The Celtics saved their worst performance of the season on a night when they needed their best the most. Their record in close-out games on the road is abyssmal, and they've now lost any chance at rest if they advance. Can they beat the Sixers in game seven? What will this long series mean if they advance? Michael and Glenn discuss it.
As the news comes down that Gonzalez is playing in the outfield, we debate how smart a move this is, and what, if any, alternatives did the Red Sox have?
Mikey, Ryder and Lenny Megs are talking about the Celtics-76ers game 7 and who they'll need to step up and get the Celts a win.
Mikey and Ryder both had high expectations for the Celtics in game 6 of their series with the 76ers and now there's a game 7. They give their predictions on the game and talk about what the Celtics need to correct before they play.
Kirk wrote a column about David Ortiz that Mikey didn't completely agree with and a debate ensues.
Mike gets a talking to, and takes a keen interest in someone on twitter named 'Weed Girl'.
MOTWU tickles Michael, Ortiz feels the heat, and the Celts get their props.
The goon croons for a lost BeeGee, and Metallica on the accordion never sounded better.
Jermaine O Neal joins Mut and Merloni in an attempt to let fans hear his side of the story on his time in Boston. Jermaine denies ever wanting to go to the Heat.
More from this showKirk talks with John Mitchell, who wrote Wednesday that Kevin Garnett could face backlash from racist fans in Boston should the Celtics lose the series to the 76ers.
More from this showThe guys react to the interview Olympian Lolo Jones did with Real Sports reporter Mary Carillo where she reveals she'll be giving her future husband the gift of her virginity. They respond to her comments about her struggles to find a husband and staying a virgin being the hardest thing she's ever done.
More from this showBuster Olney joins Mut and Lou to discuss the latest on the Youkilis trade front, Bob McClure, what Cole Hamels will get in free agency, and if Hal Steinbrenner is really trying to sell the Yankees.
More from this showCeltics radio analyst Cedric Maxwell joined D&C to chat about the Celtics lack of effort in Game 6. He discusses how Bradley has enhanced Rondo's play, the C's lack of depth dues to injury, and what the Celtics need to do to win Game 7.
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