JCG - I'm following the logic, and it is very plausible. Possibly they had bigger concerns and this was minimal in their minds. I think they made a great move resigning Gerardi first. This may have been next on the "to do list" so they can begin building for the future. I'm wondering if the Red Sox consider something like this with Ortiz who is only signed through 2014. No player or club option in 2015 for Ortiz. If he plays like he did this year, possibly they could offer him an extension for 2015. Ortiz is a DH, so his longevity may not be in question as much as Jeter. Just a thought.
I don't see Lincecum in the same light as Jeter. He;s only 29. Whether or not his best years are behind him is another matter. I saw the SF Giants didn't take their $18M club option in Zito. That decision probably took less than a nanosecond.