Beckett deal getting close?

Two sources close to Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett tell ESPN’s Buster Olney that a deal could be completed between Beckett and the Sox in the next week or so. According to one source, Beckett has a four-year deal on the table that’s believed to be in the neighborhood of what John Lackey got from the club ($16.5 million per year for five years).

The sources say the total package could be in the $65 million to $70 million range. We would think it would have to be. We couldn’t see Beckett taking significantly less than Lackey. No way.

However, a source told ESPNBoston.com recently that the Red Sox just wouldn’t go for the fifth year like they did with Lackey. But Beckett definitely deserves a new deal, the 30-year old is coming off of a 17-win season. And wins are the only stat that counts for baseball pitchers. They tell you everything you need to know.