Red Sox Avoid Arbitration With Papelbon, Ellsbury
BOSTON (CBS)- WBZ-TV's Dan Roche has confirmed the Red Sox have reached contract agreements with closer Jonathan Papelbon and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, avoiding arbitration with the two Red Sox stars.
Papelbon will get $12 million, while Ellsbury will receive $2.4 million for the 2011 season.
The Sox closer made $9.35 million in 2010, the worst statistical season of his career. Papelbon, 30, allowed career highs in runs (34), blown saves (8) and ERA (3.90).
This was Papelbon's final year of arbitration. He will become a free agent after the season.
Ellsbury, 27, receives a big raise after making $435,000 in 2010. The speedy outfielder played in just 18 games last season while dealing with fractured ribs from a collision with third baseman Adrian Beltre on April 11th. His season included three different trips to the disabled list. If he makes 600 plate appearances Ellsbury will receive and extra $50,000, and another $50,000 for reaching 700 plate appearances.
Comcast Sportsnet New England's Sean McAdam first reported the deals.
