I understand how it works, .. I don’t agree with the 14 mil as acceptable from Ortiz point of view. What are the RS going to offer, .. less than what he made last year? What’s the likelihood that an arbitrator accepts that?

In all likelihood they’ll offer about 13 mil since he made 12.5 mil last year. So for a 1.5 bump he might as well ask for 15 mil and if he has to, settle for the 13 mil that they’ll likely offer if it goes against him. Unless he gets the two years and close to the money that he really wants, or at least a realistic shot at it with an option, he might as well stick to his guns. If he starts out by accepting a one year deal in any form he gives the RS the upper hand. It’s not as important that he makes an extra million for one year as it is that he demonstrates that he’s committed to multiple years. The RS gave up significant leverage when they offered him arbitration because there is no longer the specter that the RS could decide not to re-sign him and put him in the 8-10 mil range that he’d have to hustle to get with any team not the RS.

$14MM (or thereabouts) is likely to be the midpoint and where they settle, until and unless they negotiate a two-year deal.

Settling to avoid a hearing makes little sense at 14 mil since it’s only a slight improvement over what he made last year, ( and yes, I realize that by slight improvement I mean more than I’ll make in the next 15-20 years if I’m fortunate enough to live that long and maintain gainful employment). If it gets as far as a hearing go for broke.

I would think that Ortiz would at least hold out for an option with a buy out. Otherwise what does he have to lose?