David Ortiz accepts arbitration

_{David Ortiz and new Manager Bobby Valentine chat it up down in the Dominican Republic. (AP Photo)}

If you're a Red Sox fan this is good news. Since storming onto the scene in 2003 Big Papi has been the face of the Red Sox, and has been one of the cornerstones to Boston's success over the past decade. Some wondered if his time was up, and in 2008 and 2009 he was plagued with some epic slow starts. Each year, however, Papi was able to bounce back and finish with respectable power numbers, and over the past two seasons he's reverted back to the clutch player we've come to expect.

In 2010 and 2011 Ortiz has averaged 30 HR's and 99 RBI with a .290 average each season, and is a premium DH where the market's fairly thin. With him accepting arbitration he's due to get a raise from the $12.5 million he made last year, and will make between $14 and $15 million next season. He's certainly being overpaid some, but for what he means to the Team, City, and brand it's a no brainer. This also helps further solidify some stability with the Sox which the fans at least, are in desperate need of.

Papi's one of my favorite players of all-time, his smile is infectious and his play a joy to watch. He takes the game as seriously as the next guy, but seems to have more fun than anyone. He's an ambassador to the league, and seemingly a friend of all, and today I'm glad that he's back where he belongs, in that lyric little bandbox of a ballpark we call Fenway Park.

Comments

[Kris Chandler]

Hell yes. Now if you could just get us into the David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic.

[MLB Ballparks]

Fortunately for Boston, Big Papi will play in Fenway for another season. For slightly more than what he was paid last season. I still think he can have a big year and hit for 30+.