Big Papi Wants to Keep Playing Past 2010. I Hope He’s Willing to Move

Big Papi told the Herald that he has 3-4 good years left but 2010 will be David Ortiz’s last year in a Red Sox uniform.  If Ortiz rebounds nicely next season there is still no way that Theo is going to pick up his $12.5 million option for 2011.  The Red Sox have a track record of not committing to players past their prime or ones that limit their options (Mike Lowell aside) and Ortiz will be one of those guys.  He cannot play in the field and with Victor Martinez, Lars Anderson, and possibly Adrian Gonzalez the team will be overloaded at first base and needs some flexiblity from the DH spot.

Ortiz’s options after 2010 will be limited to the AL where he can DH.  When you factor in the teams that will spend big money Ortiz’s options get even smaller.  If Ortiz is going to play for 3 or 4 more years he is likely to finish his career in a small market for a low salary.  Is he willing to do that?

Big Papi has given a great deal to the Red Sox and 2010 should be a year of celebration for him.  Hopefully there will be no hard feelings if the negotiations don’t work out.