It's hard to believe that just three short years ago Bartolo Colon was the best pitcher in the American League. He's won seven games since winning the 2005 Cy Young award and at 34 there is no telling what he has left.  He could rebound and have a lengthy career, or this could be the beginning of the end. Regardless of the answer, the Red Sox decided to take a shot, and a low-risk one at that. Boston signed Colon to a one-year minor-league contract that will pay him $1 million if he makes the club.

"Signing Colon to a minor league deal, we think, is a no-risk, potential high-reward signing," Boston GM Theo Epstein told the Boston Globe. "He's on a minor league contract, going to show up here at camp tomorrow, and we'll do an evaluation of how far he is away from helping us.

"But it takes more than five starting pitchers to get through a season. Obviously, he's an accomplished guy, and if we can get him back to a point where he's throwing well, he can certainly help us at some point this season."

Built into the $1.25 million contract are roster bonuses, award bonuses, and bonuses for games started, beginning at eight, and games finished, beginning at 20. There is an out clause in the deal, though Epstein declined to specify the date, only saying, "That gives us ample time to get him into shape and fully evaluate him."

Colon looked good out of the gate in '07 after completing his rehab from a torn rotator cuff, but it was short-lived as he battled elbow troubles for a second straight season. Many believe the problems are related, as the weakness in his shoulder forces him to put more stress on the elbow.