Red Sox Designated Hitter, David Ortiz, ready to rumble in 2011
The Boston Red Sox are looking at the coming year with problems in the roster. There is a long injury list at top of the General Manager’s concerns and then there is the need to turn in a great performance in 2011 to satisfy the
fans. David Ortiz may be out of a multiyear deal but his option worth $12.5 million has been exercised for the upcoming campaign. Nevertheless, for a player who just turned 35, that’s something to be upbeat about. The player is looking to rumble in the next
season and with the spring training fast approaching, the designated hitter will look to get in form soon.
Ortiz declared during in a news conference, "Boston made its decision, and I am going to play hard. I wanted a new contract, but I know that this is a business. Sometimes good decisions are made and other times not." The player
made the statement at his third charity golf tournament, held on Monday.
Ortiz may be lacking in physical form due to his age but it seems the strong Dominican may still have a couple of years left to deliver in some solid runs for the Red Sox in crucial games. The only problem to be on the managers’
head would be his proneness to injury. The concern is valid as the 35 year old will be required to fill in on important calls during the season. In addition to that his new salary package will be something the board of directors will be looking at when the
season goes into full swing.
Last Ortiz, drove in 21 runs and smashed 32 out of the park. His .270 batting average was good enough to earn him recognition in the team before the regular League season concluded recently. His slugging percentage rests on .529
and his on base plus slugging percentage hit .899. The 4 time slugger award winner was ranked 5th in the American League home runs tally. Furthermore, he was ranked 10th in RBIs (Runs Batted In) and 8th in slugging.
The 35 year old has much experience to offer to the Red Sox. Given the unknown situation concerning Victor Martinez’s stay at the club and Adrian Beltre’s multi–million dollar aspiration in the free agency, Boston will want as
much help as possible to realize its post season ambitions. There are injury problems in the backroom and a figurehead like David might be the beacon of hope many fans are looking to, for the upcoming season.
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