Last week, Boston signed 1B/DH-L David Ortiz to a two-year, $12.5M contract extension that includes a $750,000 buyout on a $7.75M option for 2007. Ortiz reportedly will receive salaries of $5.25M in 2005 and $6.5M in 2006. I believe Ortiz can maintain his current production levels over the course of the contract. His low G-F promises a continuation of his recent power levels and likely would lead to outstanding numbers if he played in a home park more supportive of left-handed power. Meanwhile, he possesses solid plate discipline against right-handed pitchers.

If Ortiz manages to exercise that same patience when facing left-handed pitchers at some point during this extension, this contract will be a sizeable bargain for the Red Sox. However, the 28-year-old's positional limitations and platoon split currently curtail his opportunities to the point where his salary should be comparable to his contributions. On the open market this winter, Ortiz may have been able to secure a slightly larger deal, but signing now allows him to remain in a place where he reportedly is comfortable and eliminates any concerns over his second half production or injury impacting his marketability.