His first Red Sox manager was Grady Little. He was here before “Fever Pitch” and the new version of “Tessie.’’ In his early days as a Red Sox pinch hitter, he warmed the bench alongside Lou Merloni.
David Ortiz goes back. Trupiano Way Back. He was in uniform with the Red Sox the night Aaron Boone broke New England’s heart and he was in the dugout when Robert Andino ended Boston’s 2011 season in Baltimore.
Comments
I think this was a crazy move, especially after David missed a big chunk of the season due to injury. The money could have been spent in a much better way. The Red Sox should have only offered 13.3 million, to ensure receiving a draft pick if that figure was not enough for David. They should have left it at that. They need to focus on young players, not aging superstars.
In addition, David presents a problem when playing National League teams.
They should have also made an offer to Cody Ross, enough of an offer that they would have received a draft pick if another team signed him for more.
It is about time they paid Mr. Ortiz some real money and respect. Thank you David for all you have contributed to New England and the Rex Sox! They are just paying you for some of the years they under paid you.
A one-year deal would have been reasonable Dan, for all the reasons you stated.
$33,000 every time he steps up to the plate. Insanity.
Wow. Shaughnessy writes something partly positive about the Sox. When will the other shoe drop?
Big Papi has a career OPS+ of 138, meaning that he is 38% better than the average hitter, over his career. This is about as good as Reggie Smith (OPS+ of 137). Smittie played in the deadball era of the 1960's so his numbers do not appear as impressive to the casual fan. Other guys who were not quite as good at hitting include Carl Yastremski (OPS+ = 130), Freddie Lynn (OPS+ = 129), Jim Rice (OPS+ = 128), and Dewey Evans (OPS+ = 127). Red Sox hitters who were much better include Ted Williams (OPS+ = 190), Jimmie Foxx (OPS+ = 163), Tris Speaker (OPS+ = 157), and Manny Ramirez (154). Speaker was a great fielder; Yaz, Smittie, Lynn, and Evans were all very good fielders. Big Papi is in good company as a hitter although he is not in the top tier.