How Should the Red Sox Handle David Ortiz’s Contract Situation This Offseason?

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Sep 18, 2010

How Should the Red Sox Handle David Ortiz's Contract Situation This Offseason?It's not how you start. It's how you finish.

Those were the words spoken by Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz earlier this week when answering questions about his 2011 contract extension. The Red Sox currently hold the option to bring Ortiz back for $12.5 million. The question is, should they?

Ortiz recited the adage above when asked about his struggles early-on this season, where he batted a dreadful .143 in April. It was after that month that people began questioning his contract extension, and whether or not the Sox should keep him on in 2011.

Ortiz, who turns 35 in November, is one of the biggest question marks for the Red Sox this offseason. A piece of the puzzle the Red Sox could likely afford, but is the aging DH worth that big chunk of the Boston checkbook?

When you look at the big picture, Big Papi has been incredible throughout his eight years in Boston. He's become a lovable slugger who can absolutely crush the ball. 2010 has definitely been a rebound year for Big Papi, coming out of his slump in April to smash 10 home runs in May. He went on to win the Home Run Derby in July where he "hit bombs" to defeat former Red Sox prospect Hanley Ramirez for the title.

However, there are still a few nagging things about Ortiz that question whether or not he's worth the $12.5 million. Those struggles in April headline those concerns, as it was a repeat effort of May 2009 where he also hit .143.

He's also been rendered somewhat useless against lefties, as manager Terry Francona has sat him for a majority of starts against left-handed pitchers. This season, Ortiz bats .209 against lefties (34-for-163) with two home runs.

So how do the Red Sox face his contract in the offseason? One thing they have to consider is the other players they may be losing. Two of the Red Sox' biggest offensive threats (besides Ortiz) may be out of Boston after this season. Adrian Beltre and Victor Martinez are two other question marks for the Sox after 2010, and if they leave town, Ortiz is looking much better than before.

Since the $12.5 mark is a bit high, the Red Sox could try for a similar deal as they pulled with Tim Wakefield. Sign him for less per year, but ensure a two-year contract. Ortiz has said he wants to stay in Boston for more than one year, and though it's less money per season, he may bite.

Or should they bite themselves, giving Ortiz the expensive option and hope he continues to produce? Despite the few nagging issues, Ortiz has seen relative consistency throughout the year.

Letting Big Papi go seems like a long shot, but could the money be better utilized elsewhere? Ortiz has been clutch for the Red Sox for the past eight years, but his expensive option may be too much moving forward.

Whatever approach the Red Sox choose to take, it should be one laced with the utmost respect for Big Papi, as he's been a cornerstone for the Boston ballclub for the past eight years. Ortiz told reporters that the Red Sox administration holds the cards to his future, it's just a matter of how they play the hand.

How do you think the Red Sox should handle Ortiz's contract during the offseason?

Share your thoughts below.

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