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Youkilis, Sox agree to 2008 contract

By Randy Booth

Kevin Youkilis inked a one-year contract worth $3 million to avoid arbitration today:

Youkilis had come in far from the number offered by the team. He asked for $3.7 million, while the team offered $2.525 million. Last season the Red Sox ended up renewing his contract at $424,500.

Relievers Kyle Snyder and Javier Lopez were the other Sox players who were eligible for arbitration this off-season. Lopez signed for $840,000. Snyder exchanged numbers with the Sox before signing a one-year contract for $835,000.

Great signing. I'm sure Youkilis would have liked a long-term contract but at this point the Red Sox aren't ready to offer that. Soon, though, I'm sure. Youkilis was still slotted in to be our first baseman in 2007 before this signing, but here's how the lineup looks now:

C Jason Varitek
1B Kevin Youkilis
2B Dustin Pedroia
3B Mike Lowell
SS Julio Lugo
LF Manny Ramirez
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
RF JD Drew
DH David Ortiz

BN Sean Casey
BN Alex Cora
BN Bobby Kielty
BN Doug Mirabelli
BN Coco Crisp

I like it ... so I'll take it. I think this team is pretty solid heading into spring training. Our bench is strong as well, but I think we could use some upgrades if the options come about.

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