Let’s talk a bit about loyalty.
Should the Red Sox sign Mark Teixeira, (we should know before Christmas), it could have long-lasting ramifications for the Red Sox, not just on the field.
Mike Lowell took three years last off-season from the Sox because he wanted to stay in Boston. It’s much the same reasoning that spurred Bronson Arroyo to ink a below-market deal to stay in Boston.
As we all know, Arroyo was then dispatched to Cincinnati for Wily Mo Pena. Likewise, Lowell could be out the door despite his loyalty (he had a four-year offer on the table for a similar annual salary from the Philadelphia Phillies).
If Lowell is indeed booted to make room for Tex, what does that say about Boston? What does it say about their commitment to their players? What does it say about their disregard for the player’s best interests at heart? They took advantage of Arroyo; they may have taken advantage of Lowell. They knew these players wanted to stay, so they jumped on the opportunity.
The Sox may find themselves burned in the future as players come to realize what signing at a discount in Boston means.
I get that it’s a business.
It can be a cold one sometimes.
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