When Theo Epstein was the general manager of the Boston Red Sox, he never had one salary arbitration case goes to the arbitrator. And it appears, at least so far, that new GM Ben Cherington is following in Theo’s footsteps.

Boston Red SoxAfter avoiding salary arbitration with Matt Albers, Cherington has now avoided it with newcomer Ryan Sweeney who came over in the trade with Andrew Bailey from the Oakland A’s. According to the Associated Press, it’s a one-year deal worth $1.75 million.

Cherington will have his work cut out for him though as the Red Sox still have arbitration-eligible players. They are Alfredo Aceves, Mike Aviles, Bailey, Daniel Bard, Jacoby Ellsbury, Franklin Morales, David Ortiz and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

We know Big Papi will be getting a raise to probably around $14 million or so. You can expect Jacoby to get one as well after his stellar 2011 campaign.

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