Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino shared his thoughts on several topics regarding his club yesterday with SiriusXM Sports. Among the topics discussed; the Red Sox payroll, the futures of Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield and David Ortiz’s pending arbitration hearing.
February 19, 2011; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman David Ortiz and owner Larry Lucchino talk during spring training at the Player Development Complex. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
Some Red Sox fans and followers of baseball in general have ragged on Boston this offseason for their spendthrift attitude. Those that are used to having Boston spend whatever it takes to make a big splash or fill their holes have been disappointed this winter.
However, Lucchino said this criticism is unfair as the Red Sox are prepared to enter the 2012 season with the highest payroll in the club’s history. Lucchino added that “the talk of us not spending needs to be viewed in the context of real facts and in comparison to real dollars”.
It seems to be a given that the Red Sox and slugger David Ortiz are headed for an arbitration hearing. Lucchino said that there will be no hard feelings against the designated hitter, noting that the club will simply move on once Ortiz’s 2012 salary situation is resolved.
The Red Sox have extended minor league contract offers to veteran players Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield. Both are holding out for a more guaranteed role, but each has also made it clear that they’d like to return to Boston for another season. In addressing the situation, Lucchino said the decision is now in the hands of the veterans, indicating that the Red Sox are unlikely to change their offer before the spring.
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Tags: Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield
Blaine joined the crew in April of 2011. He covers current news and notes from around the baseball world for Call to the Pen.
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[...] Sox president Larry Lucchino sounded off Friday regarding Boston’s budget. Lucchino said it is just wrong to call the Red Sox cheap, as he [...]
[...] Ortiz has said for some time that he’d like to avoid an arbitration hearing if at all possible, but that he was leaving the negotiating up to his agent while he focused on the upcoming season. Ortiz made it clear that he wanted to ink a multi-year deal after posting impressive numbers in 2011, but instead the fan favorite will have to settle for yet another one-year contract. [...]