The news that David Ortiz is looking for a multiyear contract from the Sox evoked reaction from several sources. In his ever-direct way, the Globe's Dan Shaughnessy praises Papi ans "the greatest DH in baseball history", but also calls the request "tone-deaf, selfish, and offensive". It does not help that Ortiz is saying things like "it might be time to move on" and "you've got to do what's best for you and your family." I'm sure Papi's family is surviving very well, with or without a contract.
If you look at the stats,it appears that Ortiz had found a Fountain of Youth somewhere in the bowels of Fenway Park. As early as 2008, fans were saying he might be nearing the end. Between '08 and '10, he averaged .256, falling as low as .238 in '09. In 2010 he struck out a career-high 145 times. At age 36, however, a rebirth occurred. Though Sox fortunes were up and down from '11 to '13, Papi was a model of strong consistency. He hit over .300 in all of these years, while averaging 34 doubles, 27 homers and 86 rbi's. His strikeout totals were some of the lowest of his career. He even stole some bases. His grand slam turned the ALCS around and he averaged .353 in the postseason. Perhaps most importantly, he rallied the troops in the dugout in St Louis, and they responded by capturing the Series.
I don't agree with Papi's multiyear request, but it doesn't surprise me. A man who loves baseball as much as David Ortiz probably feels he can play well into his 40's. As a full-time DH since 2005, he might believe he is more immune from the ravages of age than a position player. Ortiz is also a proud man who values his career in Boston and believes the team should take this into account. But as many great players find out, advancing age and injury can quickly derail a career. A good example is Hall of Famer Jim Rice, who in his early 30's suddenly became a singles hitter and was done by age 35.
Ortiz is signed through 2014, but I would hate to see a contentious season similar to Mo Vaughn's last one in Boston. The issue should not remain up in the air.
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