Red Sox ink Victorino to contract

Free agent outfielder Shane Victorino has agreed to a three-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, MLB.com and ESPN reported. Citing unnamed sources, the sports news outlets said Victorino will get somewhere around $40 million under the contract, which is to become effective after a physical exam. The two-time all-star is coming off a come-down 2012 campaign, which was split between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. Victorino managed a .255 batting average with 11 home runs, 55 RBI, 72 runs scored and 39 stolen bases in 154 combined games, compared with the .279 average he posted with the Phillies in 2011. The most likely spot for Victorino with the Red Sox will be in right field, seemingly decreasing the chances of Cody Ross returning to Boston.