According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have declined the $6 million option on shortstop Alex Gonzalez. The source says that the team may be willing to bring him back for 2010, but at a lower price. This leaves a big question mark at shortstop once again, a position that Theo has yet to solidify since the departure of Nomar Garciaparra in 2004. It was believed by many that the team was in pursuit of J.J. Hardy of the Brewers, but he was traded to the twins late last week. Don’t look for Jed Lowrie to be the teams only shortstop on opening day as Epstein has eluded in recent interviews that his injury history has the team worried.

With the thin free agent market at the position, this move is somewhat surprising. My bet is that they will bring back Gonzalez but at a lesser salary. Other options include signing Orlando Cabrera or making a trade for someone like Stephen Drew of Arizona.

- Chris