The Red Sox held discussions with the agent for David Ortiz on Friday, according to Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal. Details of the conversation have not been disclosed. Ortiz projects to earn as much as $16 million through arbitration this offseason so the Red Sox could look to reduce payroll on a two-year extension before the arbitration hearing is held. At this stage it appears unlikely that a deal will be reached. The two sides have until Tuesday to come to an agreement.