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In fact, Ortiz said yesterday, if he receives an offer from another team that he’s considering accepting, he will give the Sox a chance to counter it.
“Of course,” he said. “You know that. The Red Sox will always be the first option.”
That’s in marked contrast to closerJonathan Papelbon[stats], who acknowledged he didn’t bother calling the Red Sox after getting a four-year, $50 million deal with the Phillies, because both sides knew the Sox wouldn’t extend that far.
“Pap’s situation, everyone knew teams were going to be trying to chase a good closer and he was the best one out there,” Ortiz said. “Things happen, and hopefully fans don’t feel like Papelbon betrayed them or anything like that. Of course he wanted to be a part of this organization. But things happen, and we are just employees.”
Herald | Big Papi wants to stay with Sox
Remember those comments Papi made about wanting to get out of the drama in Boston a couple days after the season ended? Not so much anymore.
He went on to say that while he'd like to get something done quickly, he can be patient. Cherington's already said he's looking to bring David back (at the right price, of course), so maybe this mutual interest will help move things along. I know DH isn't exactly a cornerstone position for the Red Sox strategically (they'd probably like to move to a Yankees model where they keep it open to rest old guys), but I think we've established that Papi is a special player to the organization at this point. According to Peter Abraham, Sox management agrees: they met with his agent late last night to talk things over.
And remember the comments about the Yankees? Ortiz downplayed that too. He said they'd entertain an offer, but he's not out there looking to leave. Despite all kinds of evidence to the contrary, I'm still nervous about him ending up there. The right-field porch could single-handedly extend his career.
Herald | Sox, Cubs vie for Dale Sveum | Ben Cherington to scout Cuban Yoenis Cespedes | Don't expect any big moves | Sox eliminate medical director position | David Ortiz is a big hit with puppies | Globe | Wrapping up Day 1 of the GM meetings | Red Sox meeting with David Ortiz's agent | Red Sox considering major changes to medical staff | CSNNE | Sox search for short-term, short-money closer | Gill out as Sox medical director; position eliminated | Signs point to Sveum as Red Sox front-runner | ESPNBoston | Cherington: Sveum isn't only candidate | Source: Josh Reddick has wrist surgery | Red Sox to scout Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes | Red Sox inquire about closer Cordero | Source: Red Sox ax medical director title
