* Salary arbitration, by definition, can be a nasty business. In holding the line contractually, teams present their case to an arbiter and aren’t afraid to be highly critical of the player and highlight his shortcomings as they make their case.

It’s Red Sox Rookie Development Program week and pitchers and catchers report to spring training in less than a month. Seven questions as baseball’s return draws nearer: 1. Why are the Sox haggling with Jarren Duran?

Jarren Duran was one of the most dynamic players on the Boston Red Sox last season, but it looks like the two sides will head to salary arbitration this winter over $500,000.