Renteria headed to Red Sox

BOSTON -- All-Star shortstop Edgar Renteria told The Boston Globe he has agreed to a $40 million, four-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, the newspaper reported on its Web site Wednesday.

Renteria, who played for St. Louis for the past six years, made the final out in Boston's World Series sweep of the Cardinals. He has a .289 career average and is a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner.

Reached by the paper at his home in Colombia, Renteria said the World Series champions made the best offer.

"I like to play on a winning team like Boston, St. Louis or any team that has the opportunity to win," he was quoted as saying. His decision came down to the two pennant winners, and he said the Red Sox were "more interested in my playing for them."

His brother, Edison Renteria, told the AP that the agreement was reached Tuesday night.

"We will travel to Boston later this week to define the details of the four-year contract," Edison Renteria said in a telephone interview from Barranquilla, Colombia. "Edgar is very happy. The conditions are excellent."

He declined to discuss the dollar figure.

At a news conference in Boston to announce an agreement with pitcher John Halama, Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said no deal was yet in place with Renteria. Lucchino said Boston hoped to hold another news conference this week, an indication a deal was in the works.

"An All-Star and Gold Glove infielder would be a great addition to this or any other team," Lucchino said.

Renteria replaces fellow Colombian shortstop Orlando Cabrera, who was acquired by the Red Sox from Montreal in a late-season trade and played a key role in Boston's championship run.

Renteria's deal will include an option for 2009, the Globe said.