That's because of Lowball Johnny.
-Henry balked at an extra $12 mill for A-Rod when Theo was GM.
-Henry lowballed Lester when Ben was GM.
-Henry lowballed Betts when DD was GM, and again when Bloom was GM, according to Mookie.
-Henry lowballed Bogaerts when Bloom was GM.
It should be pretty clear by now that John Henry is the man who draws the financial lines in the sand.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
With perfect 20/20 hindsight, they should have gone all in on extending Betts and bid adieu to Sale and Bogaerts.
Not retaining Betts was a crucial blunder with long-lasting effects.
Of course it's easy to say that with Mookie coming off another All-World season.
JH just might have that kind of mad stubborn streak in him.
All the signs of it have been there over the years, really, starting with refusing to cough up another 12-15 mill for A-Rod.
Lester, Betts, Bogaerts.
Now this.