This is exactly right. The deal makes a ton of sense in that it only keeps him past 2015 if he is still getting the PAs which he'll only get if he's putting up the numbers. If that's the case then I don't see how anyone can look at this as anything but a win for the team.Minneapolis Millers said:The bigger picture of course is that the Sox expect to work a ton of low-cost players on to the team over the next two years. In addition to still inexpensive X, JBJ, WMB, and Workman, they'll drop an expensive Peavy and replace him with a cheap young arm. Add Cecchini. Another young starter and a couple more arms into the BP. Nap, Vic and Gomes ($35M) will be gone in 2 years. $10M worth of old catchers will be replaced by <$1M of young catchers.
Having Papi around as a veteran leader for $11-16M will be cost-effective in every sense and not the least bit restricting. The team could extend Lester at $20M+ per and add another big, expensive bat and STILL have a lower payroll in 2016 than they do now.
Having said that, it's also a huge win for the fans. I know we don't like to address that side a ton here, but it's part of it. If he gets into the HOF one day I want it to be that he's finished his career with the Sox. I know he would still go into the hall as one regardless but it means something as a fan. I want to be there for his last game at Fenway. I want to be there when 34 goes up with the other greats' numbers. I want that for my kids. I never wanted to have to explain to them why he would leave the Sox and now I won't have to.