Edgar Renteria, for nine years one of the Majors' best all-around and most underrated shortstops, has agreed with the Red Sox on a four-year contract.
Renteria made the disclosure himself, the Colombian telling reporters in his homeland, "They won the Series this year and I like to play on a winning team."
The four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner will now play on the team that swept him and the rest of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series.
For Boston, a year of turbulence in the middle of the infield ends with the signing of the 29-year-old clutch hitter and smooth fielder, whose contract also includes a club option for 2009.
The year began with established icon Nomar Garciaparra, morphed to Orlando Cabrera, a key performer in the Red Sox's successful quest to end an 86-year title drought, and now leads to Renteria.
Renteria's other main free-agency suitors were the Cardinals. He was swayed by Boston's baseball heritage, and its dollars. His contract reportedly is for $40 million, above what St. Louis was offering to retain its shortstop since 1999.
"The biggest reason was that Boston is a traditional team," Renteria told reporters from his home. "I played with [the Cardinals] for six years but finally we didn't come to an accord.
"It [Boston's offer] was more generous. They were more interested in my playing for them."
In 2004, Renteria ranked third among National League shortstops with 72 RBIs. Although more noted for his defense, particularly his ability to make plays in and strong throws from the hole, Renteria was a valuable offensive weapon for St. Louis manager Tony La Russa. He has a career average of .289, and had his only 100-RBI season in 2003. His 100 RBIs set a Cardinals record for shortstops, breaking the 82-year-old franchise mark of 82 set in 1921 by Doc Lavan. It also was the most for an NL shortstop since Hubie Brooks drove in 100 for the Expos in 1985.
Renteria made the disclosure himself, the Colombian telling reporters in his homeland, "They won the Series this year and I like to play on a winning team."
The four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner will now play on the team that swept him and the rest of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series.
For Boston, a year of turbulence in the middle of the infield ends with the signing of the 29-year-old clutch hitter and smooth fielder, whose contract also includes a club option for 2009.
The year began with established icon Nomar Garciaparra, morphed to Orlando Cabrera, a key performer in the Red Sox's successful quest to end an 86-year title drought, and now leads to Renteria.
Renteria's other main free-agency suitors were the Cardinals. He was swayed by Boston's baseball heritage, and its dollars. His contract reportedly is for $40 million, above what St. Louis was offering to retain its shortstop since 1999.
"The biggest reason was that Boston is a traditional team," Renteria told reporters from his home. "I played with [the Cardinals] for six years but finally we didn't come to an accord.
"It [Boston's offer] was more generous. They were more interested in my playing for them."
In 2004, Renteria ranked third among National League shortstops with 72 RBIs. Although more noted for his defense, particularly his ability to make plays in and strong throws from the hole, Renteria was a valuable offensive weapon for St. Louis manager Tony La Russa. He has a career average of .289, and had his only 100-RBI season in 2003. His 100 RBIs set a Cardinals record for shortstops, breaking the 82-year-old franchise mark of 82 set in 1921 by Doc Lavan. It also was the most for an NL shortstop since Hubie Brooks drove in 100 for the Expos in 1985.
