Ortiz or Papelbon: Who Should the Sox Re-Sign?

The Boston Red Sox were the undisputed favorites to represent the American League in the World Series going into the 2011 season. The team had Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury returning to full strength after injury-plagued 2010 seasons, and they acquired all stars in Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.

On paper the Sox were the most talented team in baseball. However, the team dealt with critical injuries to third baseman Kevin Youkilis and pitcher Clay Buchholz, as well as poor performance from the newly acquired Carl Crawford.

These factors combined with the possible lack of commitment from a few players, most notably ace Josh Beckett, culminated in a historic September collapse which has forced the team to question their personnel.

Two players who performed beyond expectations for the team were designated hitter David Ortiz and closer Jonathon Papelbon. Ortiz was unquestionably the best DH in baseball, batting .309 with 29 home runs and a .953 OPS.  Papelbon had a stellar 2011 campaign, lowering his ERA nearly a run from the year prior and posting a WHIP of less than one.

Unfortunately for the Red Sox, both Ortiz and Papelbon’s contracts ran out and they are now free to test the free agent market.

Papelbon has said he would like to make as much money as possible in free agency. If this is the case, the Red Sox may be better off letting the closer go. Although Papelbon has been a great pitcher throughout his career, a closer is not an extremely valuable position. It is much wiser to spend money on everyday players and starting pitchers who contribute much more to the team.

In Ortiz’s case, the team should do their best to sign him as long as it’s a one or two year deal. There are very few quality designated hitters on the free agent market and Ortiz is a crucial part of the team’s offense. It also seems that the team will be able to resign Ortiz for much less than it would take to sign Papelbon, as their will be much more interest in the closer.

After everything that Jonathon Papelbon has brought to the Red Sox organization, it would be a shame to see him play for another team. However, with the money Papelbon is looking for, it may be best for the team to say goodbye.