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The
Globe's Peter Abraham points out that
a provision in David Ortiz's new contract reduces his 2014 salary by $4 million if he spends more than 20 days on the DL this year due to his Achilles injury. Next year's salary would drop from $15 million to $11 million. These provisions were part of the language in the 2-year, $26 million deal the DH was signed to in the off-season. In hindsight, it's easy to criticize
Ben Cherington for signing a 37-year old in a walking boot to a two-year deal. But, with the carnage from 2011 and 2012, the team needed some statement of continuity for fans—and Ortiz's contract was a relatively easy way to make that statement. It may turn out to be a very expensive device to placate the fan base.
