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(PhatzRadio / AP) — CLEVELAND – Converted closer Alfredo Aceves coasted through five innings, Mike Napoli and Daniel Nava drove in two runs apiece and the Red Sox, bonded by the tragedy in Boston, struck quickly against Justin Masterson and beat the Cleveland Indians 6-3 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight win. Aceves (1-0), [...]
Jacoby Ellsbury #2 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated in the dugout after scoring in the first inning against the New York Yankees on October 3, 2012 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (October 2, 2012 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America) NEW YORK (AP) — NL MVP Buster [...]
Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants looks on against the Detroit Tigers during Game 4 of the World Series on October 28, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (PhatzRadio / CBC Sports) — San Francisco catcher Buster Posey, Atlanta outfielder Jason Heyward and Boston outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury are among 133 players who have [...]
Josh Reddick #16 of the Oakland Athletics slides into third base in front of Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers during the third inning at Comerica Park on September 18, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (September 17, 2012 – Source: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America) DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera homered twice, including an eighth-inning [...]
Omar Infante #4 of the Detroit Tigers flips over Alex Rios #51 of the Chicago White Sox while trying to turn a double play at U.S. Cellular Field on September 17, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. (September 16, 2012 – Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America) CHICAGO (AP) — Omar Infante’s throwing error on a potential [...]
Chances are, Jacoby Ellsbury will not sign a long-term extension with the Boston Red Sox and enter the free agent market after next season. Whether or not he gets a payday that tops $20 million a year over five or more seasons depends on the numbers he posts in 2013 – numbers that are directly tied to his health.
The 29-year-old Ellsbury has been one of the most productive tablesetters in baseball during years when he has 500 or more at-bats – like in 2008 when he hit .280 with 50 stolen bases and 2009 when he recorded a .301 average to accompany 70 steals. Last season, he showed he can be a run producer as well, hitting .321 with 32 home runs, 105 RBI and 39 stolen bases.
Ellsbury would be a sure bet for a monstrous contract if the freak injuries of 2010 and this year did not occur. In 2010, he was limited to 18 games and 78 at-bats (and a .192 average) after suffering broken ribs during a collision with then Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre. This year, he missed a chunk of the season after dislocating his shoulder when Tampa Bay shortstop Reid Brignac fell on him during a slide into second base.
On Monday night at Tampa Bay, Ellsbury showed just how valuable he can be to the Red Sox lineup when he is healthy. The center fielder broke up Alex Cobb’s no-hitter in the top of the sixth inning by ripping a two-run home run in Boston’s 5-2 victory over the Rays. Ellsbury also added two singles and finished with a stat line of 3-for-5, three RBI and one run. On the season, he is hitting .273 with four home runs and 23 RBI in just 275 at-bats.
Clearly, Ellsbury will benefit from using the off-season to rebuild strength in his injured shoulder so he can return in 2013 and have a monstrous year as he enters free agency. The Red Sox would be wise to reap the fruits of the “walk” season, make him a qualifying offer (which he would undoubtedly reject) and get the draft pick compensation if he chooses to sign long term elsewhere.
Bobby Valentine #25 of the Boston Red Sox heads back to the dugout after he called in a relief pitcher in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 9, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. (September 8, 2012 – Source: Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America) TORONTO (AP) — Boston Red Sox [...]
J.J. Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with Adam Jones #10 after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 11, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (September 10, 2012 – Source: Greg Fiume/Getty Images North America) BALTIMORE (AP) — J.J. Hardy homered [...]
The reeling Red Sox, which appear headed for their first last place finish in the American League East since 1992, showed they have a pulse for the first time in September.
After starting the mo…
Prince Fielder #28 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates a two run home run scoring Andy Dirks #12 during the six inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Comerica Park on August 26, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (August 25, 2012 – Source: Leon Halip/Getty Images North America) DETROIT (AP) — Prince [...]
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