Lackey has physical today for the Sox

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports free-agent right-hander John Lackey underwent a physical today with the Red Sox, an indication that he is close to an agreement with the team, according to a major-league source. The deal is speculated to be similar to the 5 year, $82.5 million contract that the Yankees awarded free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett last winter. The signing of Lackey would be the Red Sox's second major move of the offseason; the team already had signed free-agent shortstop Marco Scutaro to a two-year, $12 million contract. Lackey, 31, is considered the top starting pitcher on the free-agent market. He was 102-71 with a 3.81 career ERA in eight seasons with the Angels, and 3-4 with a 3.12 ERA in the postseason. The Red Sox, in addition to Lackey, are trying to sign right-hander Josh Beckett to a contract extension. Beckett, 29, is entering the final year of his contract. His career numbers are slightly better than Lackey's, and he would command at least a comparable deal. Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse was the first to report that Lackey was undergoing a physical with Boston.