That’s why it’s so hard to think about where this is going. Sure, we would all like to believe that Ortiz can return to the form that made him one of the most feared sluggers in the game. But the trends are bad. He’s 34 going on 43 and his numbers have tumbled downhill for four straight seasons. Good pitching almost always gets him out. He went 1 for 12 in the playoffs last season. In his last two Octobers, Ortiz batted .164 (9 for 55) with 17 strikeouts and only one home run. Life didn’t get any easier when his name was leaked on the list of those who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003.
He probably wouldn’t be here if not for the contract. The Sox are on the hook for a guaranteed $12.5 million this year, which makes him worth one last shot. But there is fear throughout the franchise. Jason Bay and his home runs are gone. Manny Ramirez is long gone. The Sox are committed to “run prevention’’ and that’s going to pile more pressure on Ortiz. Theo Epstein basically put Big Papi on notice the day after the playoff sweep last autumn. The GM said the Sox needed more production from the DH spot.
Ortiz bounded into camp yesterday, slightly trimmer, and spoke of the pain he felt during his historic drought of April and May. After Ortiz made several references to “negativity,’’ he was asked if he felt people in Boston gave up on him too quickly last year.
“I think so,’’ he said. “I think people give up on me too early. Start talking about age and all that kind of stuff. You listen to it for a minute. It was the same people that was clapping for me the year before that. Minds change that quick? I don’t believe in that. But I’m strong enough to know how to deal with that.’’
When a reporter remarked on his relatively svelte figure, Ortiz said, “You ought to see me naked.’’ Later, he explained that he’ll never look like Ricky Martin (love those dated references), adding, “I’m going to be the same guy. I want to stay away from injuries, but I ain’t going to look any different.’’
