(already subscribe? log in).

Red Sox settle on deal with Alfredo Aceves

THIS STORY APPEARED IN

February 06, 2012|By Peter Abraham and Nick Cafardo

Boston Red Sox's relief pitcher Alfredo Aceves delivered a pitch… (REUTERS )

The Red Sox avoided arbitration with righthander Alfredo Aceves yesterday, signing him to a one-year deal worth $1.2 million, with $100,000 available in bonuses based on starts or appearances.

The Sox had offered $950,000 in arbitration, with Aceves seeking $1.6 million. Aceves would receive $25,000 for five, 10, 15, or 25 starts or 55, 60, 65, or 70 appearances.

Aceves is going to camp as a starter but could end up in the bullpen or in some sort of hybrid role. He was 10-2 with a 2.61 ERA in 55 appearances last season after being released by the Yankees.

The Sox now have one unsigned arbitration-eligible player: David Ortiz. The designated hitter is seeking $16.5 million with the team offering $12.65 million.

Ortiz told ESPN Deportes that he is hoping the sides will agree on a multiyear deal, but general manager Ben Cherington has said for several weeks now that a one-year deal will be the likely result.

It is not known when Ortiz’s arbitration hearing will be held. Major League Baseball set aside Feb. 2-17 for hearings.

The Sox have not gone to a hearing with a player since 2002, when they could not settle with righthander Rolando Arrojo.

In arbitration, a three-person panel would hear the cases and select one of the offers.

Ortiz is essentially signed, it’s just a matter of whether the sides hammer out a deal or the panel picks one.

Negotiations can continue right up until the hearing.

Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training Feb. 19.

But several players - including lefthander Jon Lester and new closer Andrew Bailey - will start working out this week in Fort Myers, Fla., at the team’s new facility, JetBlue Park.

…

TMZ reported that, according to court records in Texas, pitcher John Lackey’s divorce from his wife Krista became official Jan. 31.