Ready to rumble

It's finally over.

Yet another overly complicated negotiation between Scott Boras and the Red Sox has ended. Of course, there was some last-minute drama whether the 8:30 a.m. deadline applied to the Red Sox' Eastern time or Boras' Pacific zone.

Nonetheless, Jason Varitek, the final piece to what I hope is another championship puzzle, has decided playing for $5 million - half of what he would have gotten in arbitration - was better than forced retirement.

Remember when he thought he'd command a multi-year, mega-million dollar contract? What folly. And I stand by what I have said all along, that he's pretty much washed up as a hitter. But he's the best option we have right now. We can withstand his weak bat given his defense and intangibles, but Terry Francona must pinch hit for him, which he was reluctant to do last year.

And, Tek, we know you have had to eat some humble pie, but remember: to Red Sox fans you are a legendary part of two (and counting) World Championships. Save any lingering frustration with these negotiations you have and take it out on Pat Burrell and the Rays and Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees.

Enough contract talk, we've got some trophies to reclaim.

Oops, I forgot there is one other prominent SoxandPhil (Ryan Howard) who doesn't have a contract. That should be able to be resolved without the drama of Varitek's. Right?

{Wow, Greg is really starting to sound bitter about being a big loser in 2008. Seems like someone forgot about the five-year championship rule.}