Lopez signs one-year deal with Red Sox

Javier Lopez avoided the arbitration process by signing a one-year deal to stay with the Red Sox. The Boston Globe has reported that the contract is worth $840,000, over double what he made in 2007.

Lopez had a respectable (albeit inconsistent) 2007 season, throwing 40.7 innings in 61 games with a 3.10 ERA and 1.328 WHIP. This low-risk move makes a lot of sense for the Red Sox, who are still hoping to strengthen their bullpen in a weak market before the start of the season.

In other contract news, Youkilis and the Sox exchanged their contract figures today. Youkilis is asking for $3.7 million, and the Red Sox offered $2.52 million. $1.25 million is a big gap, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a workable compromise before the arbitration hearings begin.

Snyder is asking for $1.025 million, and the Red Sox are offering $725,000. I expect Snyder’s final number to be closer to Lopez’.

No player has ever gone to arbitration under Theo’s watch, and Lopez represents another notch in his bedpost. Hopefully he can get something done with Snyder and Youkilis before the arbitration hearings begin on February 1st.