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Report: Red Sox, Ortiz Contract Talks To Get 'Serious' Next Week

BOSTON (CBS) - David Ortiz has been vocal about wanting a multi-year deal from the Red Sox, and the team has been said re-signing their DH is a top priority this offseason.

While the sides have had informal talks during and following the 2012 season, talks are about to get very serious next week, according to ESPNBoston.com.

A deal with Ortiz is expected to get done quick in comparison to last season, after the 36-year-old hit .318 with 23 home runs and 60 RBIs in 90 games during the Red Sox' 69-93 campaign.

Ortiz missed 71 of Boston's final 72 games after suffering a strained right Achilles, but said during their' final series of the season he should be able to begin his normal offseason workouts next month.

Read: Francona Says Sox 'Didn't Handle Frustration Well'

Re-signing Ortiz is just one of many things on GM Ben Cherington's "To Do" list this offseason, which includes re-signing outfielder Cody Ross, and finding a new manager -- just to name a few.

Read: Potential Replacements For Bobby V.

As of right now, it appears as though bringing back "Big Papi" could be the easiest check-mark on Cherington's list.

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