Perez chooses Nationals over Sox

Red Sox fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Odalis Perez signed a minor league deal today with the Washington Nationals, according to ESPN.com.

It was earlier reported that the Red Sox and Nationals had extended offers to the 30-year-old left-hander. Perez wisely chose the route where he has a strong chance to begin the regular season in the big leagues. If he signed with Boston, Perez likely would have started the year at Triple-A Pawtucket. He could leap to the middle of Washington's rotation, which does not have an ace. In fact, all five spots in the Nationals rotation are up for grabs.

Though Perez signed elsewhere, it is apparent that Theo Epstein is searching for a low-risk and low-cost veteran free agent to provide starting pitching depth. Josh Fogg and Freddy Garcia are possibilities. If the Sox offered a contract to Perez, likely they would be open to bringing in Rodrigo Lopez or John Thomson, if they are healthy. Kyle Lohse is another option, but he would have to accept a minor league deal for one year. Fogg, Garcia or Lohse would be worthwhile on one-year, incentive-laced minor league contract.

Speaking on contracts, Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe reports that the Sox are exploring a multi-year deal with Jonathan Papelbon. The Boston media also indicated that the team is talking to manager Terry Francona about an extension. I advocate both deals. Papelbon is arguably the game's best closer, and though Francona's moves are sometimes puzzling, he knows how to maintain clubhouse harmony, which is a vital skill in today's game.