You are probably not too far off. I got suspicious when Benji said that they would be looking for bargains. Some posters were all enthusiastic about that as if our guys have some innate ability to spot bargains better that the other 29 GMs. Please ... what arrogance. The advantage of the Red Sox is financial resources. They could blow through the cap if they wanted. it's their only chance of filing their holes. Our scouting department is no great shakes, neither is our talent development or our coaches. We have one clear advantage, but they are indicating that they will not use it.
Another reliever comes off the boards. I don't like Capps, but the once crowded field of relievers is starting to look a little thin. Earth to Ben, we have no bullpen... none, zilch, nada. Do something!!
That's exactly what happened. The stupid pick mania. He had no market outside of the Sox. They lost all negotiating leverage by offering him arbitration, because he knows that he will be locked in for $14 or $15 million in 2012. He'll never accept 2/$18, not even 2/$20. If they had declined to offer him arbitration, they would have had him signed up for 2/$18 if not cheaper. These idiots let the tail (picks) wafg the dog.
Ortiz shouldn't be holding up things. They should know that they will be paying him about $14 million in 2012, and move on to execute the rest of your plan. There is really very little uncertainty with Ortiz at this point. By accepting arbitration, he is Red Sox property in 2012. He can't shop himself to other teams.