Trust me, I was a huge fan of CC even when he used to play for TB. I don't need to look at stats in order to know that he was the man that I wanted for Boston (As almost any fan like A700 wanted at that point). But again, why bring a 142 M player in order to occupy 6-9 spot? why? As simple fans, maybe we don't care about the money, and still we probably would've brought the guy even occupying the 6th spot, but as a owner? It doesn't make sense. It is a lot of money. That's my point E1.
About Markakis sure, maybe he was not the best example, but still believe that he wouldn't cost 142 MUSD, not even close. About his arbitration thing, Pence was in a similar situation just like Nick but the Phillies could make the deal, we? Of course no, we don't have the pieces or something, excuses, excuses, excuses; I almost forget that we can't make those kind deals.