Arbitration the path to be chosen by Boston Red Sox's David Ortiz -MLB Update
Ever since the Major League Baseball (MLB) 2011 regular season ended, veteran hitter and first baseman, David Ortiz, decided to keep his options open being a free agent in a vast market, but as time passed and the signing deadline came near, “Big Papi” is
reported to have chosen arbitration with the Boston Red Sox as his final choice according to ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com on Tuesday, December 5, 2011.
Midnight, Wednesday night is the deadline for players to either accept arbitration or go without playing in the season next year which left Ortiz with little on his plate to choose from.
In 2011, the player earned a cool, $12.5 million, and while some may think arbitration might result in a lower amount, the majority believe that he could get anywhere from his former amount and possible up to $15 million or even above that.
"If there's a way to make it work, we'd like to have him on the team moving forward and potentially have him finish his career with the Red Sox. But we haven't reached an agreement on a contract”, said Red Sox general manager, Ben Cherington.
Cherington also added that nothing has been harsh between the team and the player during this time period, but being professional throughout the dialogue process, both stakeholders have gained more confidence and respect in each other.
"We've had good dialogue, and I think there's a good understanding of our respective positions and a lot of mutual respect. If we don't reach anything by tomorrow, we'll see what his decision is. If we don't and he accepts, then we'll be happy with that
outcome."
Ortiz is also regarded to be wanting a longer deal rather than being awarded a one-year contract, according to sources close to the veteran player, a two-year minimum is on his mind and an amount of $25 million.
When asked about awarded a long-term deal to one of their top ranked players, GM Cherington hesitated in giving a concrete answer and termed it something they will have to figure out with time since the team could use some flexibility in their payroll.
It will certainly be interesting to see how the situation between David Ortiz and the Boton Red Sox works out.
Tags: