All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon took a one-year deal to avoid arbitration. 

BEN AFFLECK was getting into his car last week when a reporter from one of those star-stalking websites asked him what he thought of his beloved Red Sox's signing righthander John Smoltz, who spent the last 20 seasons with the Braves. 

Closer Jonathan Papelbon and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a $6. 

The Orioles have reached a six-year, $66. 

The Boston Red Sox traded David Pauley to the Baltimore Orioles on Monday for Randor Bierd in a swap of right-handed pitchers. 

Baseball 

If you closed your eyes at John Smoltz's press conference at Fenway Park, you might have imagined you were listening to bold proclamations of the one and only Curt Schilling. 

--OF Mark Kotsay signed a one-year, $1. 

The Red Sox don't have many openings at key positions, and catcher is the only spot at which they might have to bring in somebody new is if they choose not to re-sign C Jason Varitek. 

If you closed your eyes at John Smoltz's press conference at Fenway Park, you might have imagined you were listening to bold proclamations of the one and only Curt Schilling. 

--OF Mark Kotsay signed a one-year, $1. 

Jan. 

Compared to other similar players, the A's signing of Jason Giambi for a bargain basement price is starting to look like a steal. 

In addition to Cy Maddux, Cy Glavine and Cy Smoltz for the Braves, there was Cy Mazzone, the pitching coach who helped push those other Cys into the city limits of Cooperstown. 

The complaint is not a new one.