Originally Posted by
jacksonianmarch
A couple things. Boras wanted $130 mil over 7 yrs after 2011. He subsequently wa rebuffed and looked like a moron after 2012. But in 2013, he produced to a 5.8 WAR and that amount Boras wanted might be a starting point now. Like it or not, Ells has been the catalyst for 2 titles in Boston and showed he was healthy in 2013. He's gonna get big money as the second most attractive offensive option on the marke after Cano. I think the sox would be wise to pass on him. JBJ has the tools to be good and he's ready. No time like the present. If he flops, you have another plus defensive CFer in RF.
Napoli isn't going to ask for a discounted rate from Boston. He got $13 mil a yr then got reduced to 1 yr and stayed healthy. He posted a 3.9 WAR and stayed very healthy all season. He's gonna get paid. I expect the sox to retain him, though, but it might be on the order of a 3 yr $40-45 mil deal.
Salty was one of the best offensive catchers in baseball, but he benefitted from the great lineup around him. He's a minus defender who couldn't be trusted in the end. You have Lavarnway, Ross, and a few coming down the pipe (Swihart to name one) who make Salty expendable. He's going to be someone's pricy mistake, don't make it Boston's. I have a feeling the sox lose Ells, Drew and Salty. The retain Napoli. And in the shocker of the offseason, they deal Lester for a Shields-esque haul