"David Ortiz is betting on himself.

As expected, Ortiz met last night's 11:59 p.m. deadline by informing the Red Sox that he will accept arbitration, according to an industry source. The decision all but guarantees Big Papi will return for a 10th season, and the Red Sox will keep his potent bat in the middle of their lineup.

Initially, Ortiz had been seeking a multiyear contract. But the market for designated hitters — even one who notched 29 homers, 96 RBI and a .953 on-base plus slugging percentage last season — wasn't strong, and arbitration became his best option."