Well, Well, Wells...

(And Tigers Too)

The Boston-Hating Mercenary Man Wants to Go West in a Trade
Ain't No Big Surprise

"With a guaranteed $2.5 million in his contract for 2006, Red Sox lefthander David Wells intends to return for his 20th season in the major leagues, according to an industry source. But Wells, who turns 43 May 20 and plans to have knee surgery this winter, has conveyed to the Red Sox a desire to finish his career on the West Coast -- he has a home near San Diego -- and the Sox have indicated they will try to honor his request." -- 10.21, Gordon Edes, Boston Globe

"'This town is really hard to live in,' Wells said. 'I couldn't go out this year. Everyone wants your autograph, wants to take your picture. It's not fun and me and my family got annoyed by that. Now, I understand why fans do that and that's never going to change. I do understand that and don't blame them. The fans here, they're supportive as anything, but they have to understand us. We go through this (expletive) and wind up having to live like hermits.'" -- 10.8, Boston Herald

Your Turn: What Are Your Thoughts on Trading Wells?

More Good News: Sox Want Clement to Have Surgery

"After performing an MRI on right-hander Matt Clement's left knee, the Red Sox want him to have an arthroscopic procedure performed, but the pitcher wants at least one more medical opinion before deciding on what to do." -- 10.21, Boston Herald

Theogate Update

"The Sox have offered Epstein a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $850,000 to $900,000, which more than doubles his original contract, which was believed to be a three-year deal that topped out at around $350,000. The offer is also comparable to the salaries paid to the last two GMs to win a World Series, Larry Beinfest of the Marlins and Bill Stoneman of the Angels." -- 10.21, Gordon Edes, Boston Globe