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When you think about the Red Sox from 2003-2009, the image of David Ortiz immediately comes to mind. Big Papi has been the face of the Red Sox since he burst onto the scene in 2003, but will 2010 be Ortiz's final season with the Sawx? You be the judge:Ortiz is tight-lipped when asked if there is anything that might be weighing on him. The most obvious potential source of discontent is his contract situation: The Red Sox hold an option on the 2011 season for $12.5 million.
Ortiz said he has had no conversations with the club regarding his contract.
"I'm just focusing on playing, not being a distraction about anything,'' he said. "It's going to be up to them to come talk to me. So I'm getting prepared to play.''
Given how poorly Ortiz played last season, there is no reason for the Red Sox to approach Ortiz about a new deal or extension at this point. The bottom line is that no matter how much Ortiz has meant to the Red Sox since 2003, he has plenty to prove to the Red Sox in 2010. If Ortiz shows that his 2009 season was not a fluke, then the Red Sox will simply let Ortiz go and go in another direction at DH.
But where this gets interesting is if Ortiz puts together a solid 2010 season. Let's say Ortiz hits .265 with 30 home runs and drives in over 100 with a .380 OBP. Would the Red Sox pick up his option then? Economically, it might not be the best decision, but could Ortiz make the Red Sox decision difficult with a solid season? No doubt. But in the end, $12.5 million is a lot to commit to a 35 year old designated hitter even one as popular and lovable as David Ortiz.
7 comments:
Have you seen him "hit" this spring???? Neither have I. Enough said. Actions speak louder than words. Good thing they have Lowell.
I actually have seen Ortiz hit this spring and it has not been pretty. But the only actions that truly matter occur when the regular season begins.
Thanks for the comment.
Lowell will not be a DH.. nor will he be on this team more than a week into the regular season if that. Peter Abraham Tweeted that no matter what happens the Sox will not pick up Ortiz option next year.
Norton,
I'm not sold on Abraham's tweet. Let's say Ortiz hits 35 HR with a .290 batting average and .380 OBP...would it make much sense to turn down the option then?
Look, I understand that there is a very, very small chance that the Red Sox will even have to think twice about not picking up the option, but given what Ortiz means to the Red Sox and the remaining (and diminishing) probability that he puts together a strong 2010 season, I'm not ready to say "no matter what"
Thanks for the comment.
If he hits 35 and bats .290 you can almost bet that he's going to get at least type B status so that's all they'll want from him is his draft picks...Look for them to acquire someone mid season or look for Hermida to step in and wow people
Norton,
Good thoughts. That'd be a very Theo Epstein-esque move. Given how terrible the market was for DHs this winter, it would be interesting to see what David Ortiz could get on the open market if he puts together a great 2010 season.
Thanks again for the comment.
Ortiz was an impact player while on "the juice". Can't argue clutch hits, however.
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