It should be easier for Boston to get rid of him, because we'll be paying him only half to two-thirds of his salary. We would be discounting of a big discount from his original contract.
He still worth unloading Tavarez and Lowell's salaries and MDC and Hansen for two-thirds of his Helton's salary. Once his production goes up, we will not get him as cheaply.
Once they start playing every day, Tito will probably give each of the OF's a day off each week or 1 0 days. That's 3 games in the OF. Ortiz might sit against Santana or another tough lefty. Ortiz might also spell Youk at first. I could see him easily getting 300-325 ABs with no injuries. He'll get 400+ if there are one or two injuries. Also, let's not forget Manny's annual mid-season burn out/refusal to play.
So, trade him at 35.
Is his stomach ailment a chronic or degenerative disease that will affect his performance? Is that "body" still in his elbow? He's 32. Papi is 31 and fat. Should we move him after this year?
Helton was injured the last two years and he still was a force. Now he is healthy.
I wouldn't. Crisp is starting to make good contact, and he has the element of speed. WMP is helpless against above-average pitching. He waves at 3 and sits down.
His OBP is .500 so far this year. He's a super star who is only 32. Does he have some sort of degenerative injury or disease that I don't know about? Look out there. There are quite a few very productive first baseman that are over 35. It doesn't matter to a first baseman if he loses a step. His range is not that important. He'll probably be abl to hit until he is 40.
In 1999, Helton had the lowest OPB that he has had in 7 years including his injury plagued 2006. It has been over .400 every year since. So, your point is? Edit: Plus, what would be giving up of any real value?