In order to avoid going to arbitration, Boston Red Sox GM Ben Cherington had to work out deals with Alfredo Aceves and David Ortiz. And with the hearings scheduled for both of them sometime within the next 12 days, he’s running out of time to avoid the Red Sox going to arbitration for the first time since the 2002 season.
Well now,at the very least, he only has to worry about going to arbitration with one of them.
The Boston media is reporting that the Red Sox and Aceves have agreed on a one-year, $1.2 million contract. Alex Speier of WEEI.com states the contract also includes up to $100,000 in bonuses depending on how many games Aceves starts or how many appearances he makes. There’s no word on whether the contract also includes towels to wipe the pouring sweat off of his head on the mound.
Aceves had asked for $1.6 million while the Red Sox were offering $950,000 so the two sides almost met in the middle.
We do know that Aceves is heading to spring training as a starter and will compete with a slew of others for the final spot in the Red Sox rotation barring another signing (Roy Oswalt).
He was a rock out of the Red Sox bullpen in 2011. He made 55 appearances (four starts) and was 10-2 with a 2.61 ERA.
While their have been reports out there that the Red Sox are likely to go to arbitration with Big Papi, he told ESPN Deportes on Saturday that he still is holding out hope for a multi-year deal with the Red Sox.
Big Papi is seeking $16.25 million from the Red Sox while the team is offering $12.65 million.
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