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Wire servicesBoston's Trot Nixon, who wasn't tempted by free agency, is guaranteed $19.5-million through 2006.
BOSTON - Trot Nixon agreed to stay with the Red Sox for three more years. Team president Larry Lucchino thinks it will be hard to retain six other key players who can become free agents after the season.
Nixon, guaranteed $19.5-million through 2006, said he wasn't tempted to try free agency because he enjoys playing for the Red Sox. The rightfielder and his wife don't want to give up "tremendous relationships" they've developed in the city.
"They didn't try to max out dollars. They didn't try to max out years. They took a realistic approach," general manager Theo Epstein said. "I can't predict the future but I do know today is a positive indication that, with the right approach, deals that make sense for the player and the club can happen."
Pitchers Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe and Scott Williamson; shortstop Nomar Garciaparra; catcher Jason Varitek; and designated hitter-first baseman David Ortiz are eligible for free agency after the season. Epstein said the team has had introductory talks with all of them or their agents.
"Can you afford to keep all of them? I don't think so," Lucchino said. "It depends on what the price of poker is for each of these guys. If they're at the high end of a scale based on last year's market, the year before that, obviously we can't afford that.
"It's too soon to say. I think it would be very hard to sign the remaining potential free agents."
But, he added, "We haven't given up on any of them."
Nixon, 29, receives $6.5-million in each of the next three seasons. The contract contains escalators based on award voting, such as if Nixon is among the top 20 in MVP voting.
EXPOS: Tim Raines and Rob Ducey were hired as a part of the minor-league coaching staff. Raines was hired as manager of Class A Brevard County while Ducey will be a coach with Double-A Harrisburg.
METS: Kaz Matsui arrived at the spring training complex in Port St. Lucie after traveling to Florida Thursday night aboard the plane of team owner Fred Wilpon.
"My first priority is practice. In Japan spring training starts on Feb. 1," Matsui said through interpreter Toru Mihara. "I am familiar with that schedule."
Matsui, who signed a $20.1-million, three-year contract in December, spoke to reporters in a drizzle for about seven minutes outside the visiting clubhouse. He plans to begin working out today.
During his stay in New York, the shortstop worked out in a domed tent alongside his hotel. A Japanese tennis team was using the tent, and he said the team members let him train daily.
Asked why he left New York, Matsui wrapped both arms around his body and shivered while saying: "Brrrr."
PHILLIES: A banner with the retired No. 1 of Hall of Fame outfielder Richie Ashburn was sold for $10,100, drawing the highest price at an auction of Veterans Stadium memorabilia.
PIRATES: Outfielder Henry Rodriguez is the latest player to agree to attend the spring training camp as a nonroster player. Rodriguez, 36, didn't play last season and had only 28 major-league at-bats in the 2001 and 2002 seasons. Others invited to camp as nonroster players include outfielders Daryle Ward, Chris Singleton and Ruben Mateo and pitchers Juan Acevedo, Jose Mesa, Rick Reed and Mark Guthrie.
REDS: Reliever Corey Thurman's minor-league contract was voided because of a pre-existing medical condition, which was not disclosed.
OBITUARY: Richard Dennis Powell, general manager of a Negro Leagues team in Baltimore, died. He was 92.