Papi for Two

There was a time not so long ago when late-October really meant something to Red Sox fans. It was the season for comebacks and trophies and the most important games in franchise history. From time to time, it also triggered levels of pain and devastation that would last throughout the winter, but win or lose, it was always memorable.

Anyway, that was then. These days, the Sox haven't sniffed late-October since George W. Bush's last year in office. Forget memorable baseball, it's now the season for leaking gossip and freaking out about the Pats.

But even if they aren't on the field, the Sox are looking to make this October count. First, by turning the page with a new manager. And now, by bringing back a major piece to the puzzle. According the Gordon Edes, the Sox are currently finalizing the terms of a two-year deal with David Ortiz. The money hasn't been announced, but Edes speculates that Ortiz will get about 25M. More importantly, however, THE YEARS!

After two seasons of constant subtle and not-so-subtle bitching about disrespect and a lack of security, Ortiz has finally broken through. He can finally be happy. And as long as he's healthy, that happiness should help make the clubhouse a better and more productive place to be.

Of course, I never thought this would happen. Over the last few months, I've written a couple posts where I suggested that the Sox wouldn't give Ortiz more than one year. I just didn't think they'd need to. And the truth is, they probably still don't. I highly doubt there's another team out there ready to break the bank on a multi-year deal for Ortiz. So why did the Sox do it?

Maybe they realized that they need Ortiz in the line-up, but that with all baggage and drama, another one-year deal would do more harm than good? Maybe they just think he deserves it and will perform at a top level for the next two years? Maybe John Henry had a little too much wine on the yacht this morning, and just felt like being nice.

Whatever the reason, the end result is two more years of David Ortiz.