An arbitration expert tells the Boston Herald that the Red Sox's offer is ''more in line with the market'' than the request submitted by David Ortiz. Ortiz is seeking $16.5 million in salary, but recent free agents that compare favorably will be making between $12 million and $14 million this season, indicating that the hearing could result in favor of the Red Sox. According to the report, the fact that Ortiz is being offered slightly more than what he made last year at an advancing age will be difficult to ignore. Ortiz turned 36 in November and batted 309/.398/.554 with 29 home runs and 96 RBI this past season.