Reports are saying that John Lackey has indeed taken a physical for the Boston Red Sox and could be nearing a contract worth an estimated 80 million over 5 years. This could be a heck of a sign for Boston as it adds yet another power arm in an already good starting rotation and could theoretically be a little deeper and better than the hated Yankees depending on what Dice K shows up in 2010. A rotation of Becket, Lester, Lackey, Dice K, Wakefield/Buchholz/Bowden shapes up to be the very best in the American League and potentially all of baseball. However, if Boston does sign Lackey- could this signal the end of the Buchholz era? I mean really, what purpose would there be to keep all those young pitching prospects if they’re already locked up with Lester/Lackey assuming they bring back Beckett whose a FA after this year? Could this be another move that could allow the Red Sox to trade Clay and Michael Bowden to get Adrian Gonzalez? Miguel Cabrera?  I don’t think the Sox would sit on everyone in terms of their young depth especially if they do lose Jason Bay. It’s a move that definitely could signal a shake up in the organization and a signal to the rest of baseball that Boston is ready to regain it’s throne.

Update- John Lackey has agreed to a 5 year 85 million dollar deal!