Gresh & Zo: Did David Ortiz Deserve This Severance Package/Contract Extension?
BOSTON (CBS) - The Red Sox and slugger David Ortiz agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension on Sunday that will effectively ensure his baseball playing career will end right here in Boston.
The deal includes a club/vesting option for 2016 and a club option for 2017. According to WBZ-TV's Dan Roche, the one-year deal is worth $16 million.
Principal Owner John Henry said in a statement, "It is difficult to describe David's contributions to our city both on the field and off the field, and we are so proud to have this ambassador of our game with us as he continues on this road to Cooperstown."
Between his MVP-caliber play, his status as a Boston sports icon and the glowing praise from Henry, the designated hitter is now guaranteed to be a Red Sox for life.
"This is the end of the line for David Ortiz as a baseball player. He'll eventually finish his career as a member of the Red Sox and not have to go somewhere like Wade Boggs," said Scott Zolak.
Ortiz was entering the final year of a two-year, $26 million deal, which he signed back in November 2012. He arrived at spring training this season after dominating during the team's World Series run, and he made it clear that he didn't want to play out this season without having another year tacked on to his current deal.
Mike Flynn was in for Andy Gresh on Monday, and the guys discussed the extension at length to open the show.
"For all intents and purposes he's here for the next three years. He'll make his plate appearances, unless he gets hurt or he really falls off the cliff. I would think by the time he's 42 that he'll be done. I like the contract. I have no problem with it. It's tiring. It can be annoying at times. Maybe he can do the bitching a little more in house, but I don't mind giving this guy a little more money than he would have gotten on the open market. He's worth more here than any place else.
"Look what he's done playing here. He's produced every year. He's been a part of three World Series. He's the face of the franchise. Worst case scenario, if you end up paying him $16 million for a year that he hits .275 with 18 homers and 58 RBIs, you know what? Fine. I don't mind giving this guy a severance package. He deserves it," concluded Mike Flynn.
Listen below for the full discussion:
Ortiz Gets His Extension
MORE RED SOX COVERAGE FROM CBS BOSTON
