Boston Red Sox GM Ben Cherington is really trying hard to avoid having any case go to arbitration. If he succeeds, he’ll keep up the legacy that former GM Theo Epstein left him with.
Going into Wednesday, Cherington only had to sign Alfredo Aceves, Andrew Bailey and David Ortiz. Now, we can narrow that list down to two players, Aceves and Big Papi.
According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Red Sox and Bailey came to terms on a one-year, $3.9 million deal. Bailey had requested $4.7 million while the Red Sox were offering $3.35 million.
Here’s the full release from the Red Sox:
BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox today agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Andrew Bailey on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the 2012 season, thus avoiding salary arbitration. Terms were not disclosed.
The announcement was made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington.
Bailey was acquired by Boston from Oakland on December 28, 2011. The 27-year-old right-hander converted 24 of 26 save opportunities (92.3 percent) for the A’s in 2011, the second-highest success rate among American League closers. He posted a 3.24 ERA (15 ER/41.2 IP) in 42 relief appearances overall with Oakland last season, compiling 41 strikeouts compared to 12 walks while holding opponents to a .218 average (34-for-156).
Selected by the A’s in the sixth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Bailey has converted 75 of 84 (89.3) save opportunities while posting a 2.07 ERA (40 ER/174.0 IP) in three Major League seasons from 2009-11, the third-highest save percentage in the American League in that time (min. 40 chances) and second-lowest ERA among relievers (min. 125.0 innings).
With today’s agreement, designated hitter David Ortiz and right-handed pitcher Alfredo Aceves are the only remaining unsigned Red Sox players eligible for salary arbitration.
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
