Arbitration for Gagne?

The deadline for teams to offer arbitration to players is Dec. 1. The Sox have a dilemma with Eric Gagne; if they offer him arbitration and he signs with another team they get the first round draft pick that goes along with losing a Type B free agent. If they don’t offer arbitration and he signs with another team they get nothing. This may seem like a no-brainer, offer arbitration and take the pick. The problem is he may accept arbitration and get as much as $9 million. If he does that the Sox are out the money and stuck with a pitcher who almost cost Boston the AL East and went 2-2 with a 6.75 ERA this year. I say offer arbitration and if he takes it use him in middle relief again. He may be able to pitch close to the way he did with the Dodgers and Rangers and be worth the money.