Boston Red Sox: Synopsis of Mookie Betts offseason drama

The saga of Mookie Betts and his employer the Boston Red Sox continue to be a hot topic to milk. A quick synopsis of where this may go.

The Mookie Betts drama continues to take precedence on the front burner of Red Sox Nation in both the categories of drama and impact upon the team.

Betts has managed to be in a perfect storm for a financial reward with a talented five-tool resume and performance numbers that certainly mirror that of Bryce Harper who received a 13 year and $330 million contract from the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Red Sox have the resources to extend a comparable dollar amount  to Betts and who will quibble with a few million here or there? To do so would place Boston in a precarious luxury tax situation and inflate the value of the contract accordingly, but – if you believe corporate – the management has as much wish for that as I do for a prostate exam.

To seek out a reliable baseball source to dance though the maze it is necessary to seek out one of the most profound and recognized authorities on relationships and that is the late Dear Abby or Pauline Phillips. As Abigail Van Buren, her sage advice to her readership was “Are you better off with or without him/her.” As a note, I am a liberated male and added the feminine to the closing.

A statistic foray is not necessary when discussing Betts since that has been plundered, regurgitated, and analyzed by even the most casual of Red Sox fans. You simply do not remove a spark plug and assume the engine will be operating smoothly. The Red Sox need Betts, but Betts does not need the Red Sox as the wallets will be opening at the conclusion of the 2020 season for his services.

Based on the legendary Dear Abby, having Betts around will facilitate success and not having Betts around will leave a gaping hole in the lineup and an emotional hole in the hearts of fans. Mookie is as likable as he is talented, be it as a doting parent, a pilot, or a champion level bowler. Mookie can solve a Rubik’s Cube as swiftly as he can swipe second base. But Abby would also give advice regarding cutting the parental cord.

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Trading Betts brings us to the realm of getting something for nothing as based on a multitude of coalescing factors the Red Sox could have a talented bevy of prospects heading their way. The Red Sox could also have some money in the treasury to scour the MLB landscape for tired and worn arms to resuscitate the rotation. Prospect also is adjacent to another “P” word and that is potential.

Potential does not play a position or throw a pitch until it is achieved. The Red Sox landscape is littered with can’t miss prospects who did just that. For every Betts, there is a Lars Anderson. The Red Sox could get prospects of note and be the groom awaiting a bride who just eloped with the best man.

The dilemma is apparent and the schism within the Red Sox fan base, social media, and print media is in full schism mode. The case can be solidly made for any option as each has its valid points.

There are many subplots to the Betts drama, but what it encompasses is the minefield of choices that management must go through – a maze with either dead ends or success. This is what Chaim Bloom who despite the convoluted title is the general manager. Bloom’s task is a difficult one to fortify the team and address potential contract issues.

With Tampa Bay – Bloom’s previous employer – this is business as usual situation and one in which Bloom is acutely aware of the multitude of options. An experienced hand at hard and undoubtedly emotional decisions. At Tampa – despite no World Series championship – it worked and Tampa remained competitive despite roster turnover, especially star quality turnover.

Whatever the result is of the Betts affair – and it may take years for a final picture – the decision will be based on a wealth of experience. Bloom will be faced with a fracture Red Sox Nation since the decision regarding Betts will be fodder for positives and negatives. Wish Bloom success in whatever path he chooses.