Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated says that the negotiations between the Boston Red Sox and pitcher Josh Beckett are making progress. Heyman says that the Red Sox want to replicate the John Lackey $82.5 million, five-year deal, but Beckett wants a slightly longer deal. Heyman predicts the negotiations will continue for a few more weeks.

Earlier this week, Nick Cafardo of Boston Globe said, the “Sox could insist on medical language similar to what’s included in the deals of John Lackey and J.D. Drew. Jason Bay wouldn’t bite on the language, but Beckett may consider it just to stay in Boston, where he has already forged a great relationship with Lackey and continues to build one with Jon Lester.”

Beckett, 29, has compiled a lifetime 106-68 record with a 3.79 ERA. You can see Beckett’s contract history and statistics here.

Related posts:

1. Josh Beckett Contract Rumors: Optimistic deal will get done
2. Josh Beckett Contract Rumors: Substantive talks taking place
3. Josh Beckett to talk contract extension with Red Sox
4. Lackey to sign with Red Sox?
5. Mets preferred Jason Bay over John Lackey