As a free agent, only a handful of players accept salary arbitration when it is offered them, as most opt to test the market. But, there are a handful of such players each year, and 2012 is no different with Kelly Johnson (Blue Jays), Francisco Rodriguez (Brewers), and David Ortiz (Red Sox) being in that class.
But, it’s Ortiz that has become an overlooked case, one that has vast implications to the slugger and the Red Sox.
Ortiz and the Red Sox are scheduled to go to hearing on Monday. With the amounts involved, chances are high that the two will reach an agreement beforehand.
Here’s why.
Ortiz is the definition of “veteran”. He ended the 2011 season with 13.048 of Major League Service Time (MLST). He’s seeking $16.5 million, which ranks as the third highest ever asking figure behind only Ryan Howard (2008 with the Phillies, $18 million as a second-time salary arb player), Derek Jeter (2000 with the Yankees, $18.5 million in his last year of salary arbitration eligibility), Tim...
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