I've said it in past articles that several Red Sox players this year will be "motivated" to have a good year or career year. Just think of Adrian Beltre on his 1-year deal with the Sox in 2010. A career-type year with the Sox landed him a multi-year, big money deal with Texas in 2011. Nuf ced...
Big Papi, Jon Papelbon, J.D. Drew & Jacoby Ellsbury all are "motivated" to have a big year in 2011. The Red Sox picked up a $13 million option for Ortiz who could be a free agent after this season. Crazy Pap needs to rebound after 2 so-so seasons since he will become a free agent at the end of the year. J.D. Drew is at the end of his 4-year deal & rumors are that he may retire, so he may want to go out with a bang. And Jacoby Ellsbury has entered his arbitration period & will be looking to prove he can be an offensive & defensive threat once again.
Motivation in the big leagues really translates to money. Any player in the last year of a contract is playing for the next contract. There are millions at stake which is why the incentive is there to work hard in the off-season, during Spring Training & perform throughout the year.
Whatever the reason it's nice that the Sox will have motivated players this year.
1 comment:
Let's hope Motivation + Championships!! Too bad it has to come to the potential for a larger paycheck for these guys to perform. With the exception of Ellsbury, they are all being paid millions already. I wish we could get players that would add an element of pride for one of their motivators.
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