It looks like the Red Sox starting rotation is about to get a lot better.
The team agreed to a five-year, $85 million deal with free-agent right-hander John?Lackey yesterday, according to online and broadcast reports. AOL FanHouse and FOXSports.com broke the news that he underwent a physical with Boston.
The reported move came days after prime free-agent target Jason Bay expressed his willingness to part ways with the Sox.
Lackey, 31, has pitched eight seasons for the Angels, posting a 102-71 record, a 3.81 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. He went 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 27 starts last season, and threw 7.1 scoreless innings against Boston in Game 1 of the ALDS.
There was no formal confirmation of the signing from the team or Lackey by press time. The Abilene, Texas, native will reportedly receive a deal similar to the big-money pact A.J. Burnett signed with the New York Yankees last offseason.
The Sox also reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with veteran outfielder Mike Cameron.
