There is a rumor circulating that Tim Wakefield may be considering retirement because his shoulder has reportedly been bothering him, according to TheBottomLine.com. This is the same injury that forced the knuckleballer to miss the 2007 postseason.The 42-year-old recently had his 2009 option for $4 million exercised. The Red Sox are currently targeting AJ Burnett and Derek Lowe, and the club would still be in great shape with either hurler if Wakefield decides to hang up his cleats.

Even at the age of 42, Wakefield continues to be an effective member of the Red Sox's rotation. In 2008, the knuckleballer went 10-11 with a 4.13 ERA. The record is misleading when you consider that there were seven occasions when Wakefield left a game with the lead and didn't get the win.

News: The Red Sox exercised 2009 contract option on RHP Tim Wakefield on Friday.

Analysis: Wakefield will eat innings and be a candidate for double-digit victories with the top contender in Boston. Consider him a low-end Fantasy option because of his age and lack of knockout stuff

Red Sox exercised RHP Tim Wakefield's $4 million option for 2009. Even given his late-season struggles following shoulder problems bringing Wakefield back for his 15th season in Boston was a no-brainer at that price after he went 10-11 with a 4.31 ERA in 30 starts. He'll once again eat innings at the back of the Red Sox's rotation and Boston will have another $4 million option on him for 2010.

Red Sox exercised RHP Tim Wakefield's $4 million option for 2009. Even given his late-season struggles following shoulder problems bringing Wakefield back for his 15th season in Boston was a no-brainer at that price after he went 10-11 with a 4.31 ERA in 30 starts. He'll once again eat innings at the back of the Red Sox's rotation and Boston will have another $4 million option on him for next season.

Red Sox exercised RHP Tim Wakefield's $4 million for 2009. Even given his late-season struggles following shoulder problems bringing Wakefield back for his 15th season in Boston was a no-brainer at that price after he went 10-11 with a 4.31 ERA in 30 starts. He'll once again eat innings at the back of the Red Sox's rotation and Boston will have another $4 million option on him for next season.

Tony Massarotti, of The Boston Globe, reports the Boston Red Sox exercised their 2009 option on SP Tim Wakefield for $4 million Friday, Oct. 31. The Red Sox now have another option for $4 million on Wakefield for the 2010 season.

As expected, the Red Sox have exercised Tim Wakefield's 2009 option for $4 million, according to the Associated Press.The 42-year-old ranked second on Boston's staff and third in the AL with a .228 opponents batting average against. He comes at a bargain for next season, as he threw 181 innings in 2008, while maintaining a solid 1.18 WHIP.

The Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox will exercise their $4 million option on Tim Wakefield for 2009. Under the terms of the contract Wakefield signed in 2005, the Red Sox essentially have a perpetual $4 million option that can be picked up within five days of the World Series each year. This season will be his 15th in Boston.Source: Boston Herald

The Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox will exercise their $4 million option on Tim Wakefield for 2009. Under the terms of the contract Wakefield signed in 2005, the Red Sox essentially have a perpetual $4 million option that can be picked up within five days of the World Series each year. Next season will be his 15th in Boston.Source: Boston Herald

Sean McAdam, of The Boston Herald, reports Boston Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield recently completed an end-of-year physical and MRI, the last hurdle before the Red Sox exercise their $4 million club option for 2009. His unique arrangement with the club, in a deal signed back in 2005, features an annual club option that, in theory, extends into perpetuity.

The Boston Herald's John Tomase reports the Boston Red Sox will almost certainly exercise SP Tim Wakefield's $4 million option.

The Red Sox will "almost certainly" pick up Tim Wakefield's 2009 option for $4 million, according to the Boston Herald.He is 42, but will come at a bargain for next season, as he racks up a lot of innings, and held a 1.18 WHIP over 30 starts in 2008.

The Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox "almost certainly will exercise" their perpetual $4 million option on Tim Wakefield for 2009. Wakefield struggled late in the season after being sidelined with a shoulder injury, but went 10-11 with a 4.13 ERA in 30 starts overall and as usual will be an innings-eating bargain for Boston.Source: Boston Herald

The Associated Press’ Jimmy Golen reports Boston Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield took the loss in Game 4 of the ALCS Tuesday night, Oct. 14. He gave up five earned runs on six hits – including three homers - and two walks in 2 2/3 innings, while fanning two.

News: Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield, who was making his first appearance in 16 days, lasted just 2 2/3 innings in a loss to the Rays in Game 4 of the ALCS on Tuesday. He gave up five runs on six hits, including three home runs. He also walked two and struck out two.

Analysis: Wakefield finished the season with a 4.13 ERA -- his lowest since 2005. Already age 42, he could pitch a few more years if he'd like since he relies on a slow-moving knuckleball. But then again, on days when he doesn't have that knuckleball working, he gets shelled. Assuming he enters 2009 with a starting job, treat him as a decent low-end Fantasy option

Marc Lancaster, of The Tampa Tribune, reports all of the Tampa Bay Rays switch-hitters will bat right-handed against Boston Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield in Game 4 of the ALCS Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Cliff Corcoran, of SI.com, reports Boston Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield went 7-4 with a 3.10 ERA at home this season. He gave up nine home runs in 14 starts at home this season. Wakefield did not face the Tampa Bay Rays at home on the year.

RedSox.MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports Boston Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield went 0-2 with a 5.87 ERA against the Tampa Bay Rays this year.

The Tampa Tribune's Marc Lancaster reports Tampa Bay Rays DH Willy Aybar will play in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, largely because Boston Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield is on the mound.

Bill Chastain, of MLB.com, reports Tampa Bay Rays 3B Willy Aybar will likely be the team's designated hitter for Game 4 of the ALCS against Boston Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield.

Bill Chastain, of MLB.com, reports Boston Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield went 0-2 with a 5.87 ERA in three starts against the Tampa Bay Rays this year.