is that the Red Sox have a $12 million option, while Beckett has a $2 million buyout clause. While the Red Sox are absolutely loaded with pitching depth, I seriously doubt that they’re not going to pick up that option.

Maybe after the 2010 season, but I suppose that depends a lot on where the Astros are. The Pettitte/Clemens signings came when the team was pretty loaded with talent, anyways, and had routinely contended in previous seasons. I’m sure Beckett would probably love to play for his hometown team, but it’s less likely he’d want to play for them if they look like they do right now.

Keeping Roy is another matter entirely.

R u kidding? You really think uncle drayton is going to sign a big name free agent that will be courted by teams that have no payroll limit? Heck he didnt even want Randy Wolfe who pitched a2 hitter thru 8 today!