Saltie Will Earn a Big Contract

Jarrod Saltalamacchia will earn some "big iron" as he enters free agency next year. The Sox catcher has been the mainstay behind the plate this year. After being out for a few days with a sore back Saltie had a strong return, even throwing out multiple runners in Tampa. While his home runs are down this year, his average is up. If you are like me, I think Saltie has grown on me over the year. If you look at other catchers in the league, he measures up pretty well. And I do feel a drop at that position when Ross & Lavarnway step in, particularly on offense. Unless the Sox take a chance on Cristian Vazquez in double-A, Saltie may end up with the Sox new standard of 3 years, $10-$13 million per year. That would give Vazquez & Lavarnway time to mature. Ross is signed for 1 more year as well. Question is: would some other team give him more years & lure him away from the Sox?