Ortiz: Deja Vu All Over Again

Haven't we heard this before? David Ortiz is looking for another multi-year deal when his 2 year deal expires after the conclusion of the 2014 season. The Sox took a risk when they gave Big Papi a 2 year deal in 2012 when he sustained a bad Achilles injury which kept him out of games into early April 2013. The question: how long can Big Papi defy father time & continue to be a productive hitter into his late 30's? Carlos Beltran is a good example of an aging slugger who is often out of the lineup. Then there is A-Rod. Another question: who do the Sox have in the system or who can they trade for or sign that will be productive offensively in his place? If there is no good answer to the latter, you might see the Sox add another year to Ortiz' contract. But at $16 to $20 million a year there may be other younger options out there. Good luck, Ben, in dealing with this distraction.