I know, I know, it’s part of the game. But really, is this how you wanted it?
Of course I’m talking about David Ortiz. You knew for a fact that the team would offer arbritration. Of course they would. They’re greedy and they want/need those extra draft picks for another team signing him. But the Sox also had to know he’d accept. Who else in all of baseball was going to sign him?
Exactly.
So not only have you set up your team to be on the hook for at least $12 million for an aging DH past the prime of his career that was also linked to drug use on the list from 2003, but you’re probably going to have to pay him even more than the $12 million you paid him last year.
Their solution, offer a modest raise. The Ortiz camp, come back at a stupid number in the neighborhood of $16 million.
Well, they agreed on Monday to a contract worth about $14 million. Perfect. $14,575,000 for an aging DH with injury history. I know my friend over at the Too Sox blog hates me saying it, but you know Ortiz is on the HGH. And with the league testing for it this year, you’re potentially going to lose him for a good chunk of the season to suspension. I know he doesn’t get paid for that, but still, waste of money.
They should have done what they did with Varitek and Wakefield. Let him walk. He’s not going to get anything on the open market because no one will pay him close to what he thinks he deserves. He can come back to Boston and play a one year deal in the neighborhood of $8 million. Then maybe the team could afford a starting shortstop, right fielder, and two starting pitchers. Well maybe not all four, but one of the pieces.
Lesson learned, I hope. Next year, let him walk.
