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David Ortiz Wants Multiyear Deal?
Prior to his Home Run Derby victory last night, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz implied he wants a multiyear deal. Talking to ESPN's Gordon Edes, Ortiz said:
"I don't want one year. Why should I return for one year and go through the same [stuff] I'm going through now, just because it's my last year? No. I like to be left alone when I'm playing baseball. I know how to clean my [stuff] up."
Even with Ortiz's strong production since May, it's difficult to envision the Red Sox offering two guaranteed years. The first order of business will be his $12.5MM option for 2011, which will almost surely be declined. I don't think he'll reach a $10MM base salary again. It's well-known Ortiz wants to remain in Boston, so perhaps he'll be amenable to a lower salary and a second-year option similar to that given to Jason Varitek before the '09 season. The Red Sox might prefer flexibility with their DH spot for 2012, however.
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