Seven weeks later, Drew’s deal with Red Sox is finished

Seven weeks after agreeing to terms, outfielder J.D. Drew and the Boston Red Sox resolved their differences on his $70-million, five-year contract and were set to announce the deal today.

A baseball official involved in the negotiations said Thursday that the sides had agreed upon the language covering Drew’s surgically repaired right shoulder. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because an announcement had not yet been made.

The Red Sox reached a tentative agreement with Drew on Dec. 5, but the deal was delayed over possible damage lingering from shoulder surgery in September 2005. The sides finally signed off this week on a provision that would allow the team to opt out of guaranteed money in 2010 and 2011 if a specified injury recurs.

Former Angels outfielder-first baseman Darin Erstad passed a physical and agreed to terms with the Chicago White Sox on a one-year, $1-million contract with an option for 2008.

The White Sox will pay Erstad $750,000 this season and hold a $3.5-million option -- with a $250,000 buyout -- for 2008. The option could increase to $6 million if Erstad makes 600 plate appearances this season.

Erstad, 32, sat out all but 40 games in 2006 because of a right ankle injury that required surgery in October. Erstad, his ankle healed to the point where he can sprint full speed and cut without hesitation, wanted to return to center field, and only two teams, the White Sox and Florida Marlins, offered that chance, along with a major league contract.

For more on Erstad’s departure, go to latimes.com/sports.

-- Mike DiGiovanna

Manager Willie Randolph, who guided the New York Mets to their first National League East title since 1988, received a $5.65 million, three-year contract that runs through 2009.

Seattle is closing in on a deal with right-hander Jeff Weaver, who started last season with the Angels before finishing it with St. Louis. The Mariners also are bringing back Arthur Rhodes, 37. The left-handed reliever agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Third baseman Morgan Ensberg, shortstop Adam Everett and outfielder Jason Lane agreed to one-year contracts with the Houston Astros. Ensberg will get $4.35 million, Everett $2.8 million and Lane $1.05 million.

Right-hander Aaron Sele, 36, agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Mets. Sele was 8-6 with a 4.53 earned-run average for the Dodgers last season.

BOXING

De La Hoya narrows

his training candidates

Oscar De La Hoya has narrowed his list of potential replacement trainers to two, and he’s expected to decide who will prepare him for his May 5 showdown against unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. within a week.

“Every single trainer has been calling me: [Teddy] Atlas, [Freddie] Roach ... ,” De La Hoya said Thursday. “I have to see what style best suits me.”

Floyd Mayweather Sr. was dropped as De La Hoya’s trainer Wednesday. Golden Boy Promotions Chief Executive Richard Schaefer said that decision was “not just an issue of money, but Oscar believing at the end of the day that a father should not train someone to beat his son.”

Jack Mosley, the father and trainer of former lightweight and welterweight champion Shane Mosley, said he had offered to train De La Hoya but has yet to hear a response.

Marco Antonio Barrera (63-4, 42 knockouts) will defend his World Boxing Council super-featherweight title March 17 against former World Boxing Assn. featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (46-3-1, 35 KOs) at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

-- Lance Pugmire

MISCELLANY

Tour de France

runner-up is cleared

France’s anti-doping agency dropped its investigation of Tour de France runner-up Oscar Pereiro, saying the Spanish rider provided sufficient justification for use of an asthma medication.

Yogi Roth, a USC graduate assistant coach, has accepted a position with the Oakland Raiders as an offensive assistant. He joins Lane Kiffin, who on Monday left his post as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator to become head coach of the Raiders.

Mark Jackson, USC’s director of football operations from 2001-04, has also taken a job with the Raiders.

Sam Baker, USC’s All-American offensive tackle, recently had arthroscopic knee surgery, as did Trojans long-snapper Will Collins. Defensive backs Cary Harris and Kevin Thomas had hand and shoulder surgeries, respectively.... Fullback Brandon Hancock said he was awarded a sixth season of eligibility but was still deciding whether his surgically repaired knee could withstand the wear and tear of another season.

-- Gary Klein

Major League Soccer announced that Denver will play host to the All-Star game on July 19. The MLS All-Stars will play Glasgow Celtic.

AC Milan made Real Madrid an offer for forward Ronaldo.

The Maryland Jockey Club canceled the Pimlico Special because of limited purse money.

Former Alabama coach Mike Shula was hired as the quarterbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Executive director Ted Saskin faces a challenge from the NHL Players’ Association, with a majority of the union-player representatives approving an independent probe into his hiring.