Gorden Edes of ESPNBoston.com says that the contract negotiations between pitcher Josh Beckett are in the “final stages”.

Both sides have been working hard to complete a deal before the start of the season. The big hanging point between the Red Sox and Beckett is the fifth year. Beckett wants a fifth year, but the Sox are not willing to go more than four years – the reason being Beckett’s history of his frayed rotator cuff.

“Josh did not insist on the fifth year,” said the source, indicating that Beckett’s total package will be “(John) Lackey money.”

There’s also been tax reasons why the contract has been delayed until the start of the season.

Edes says a deal could be announced as soon as this week.