“I know how to hit. That’s what I have to say,” the Red Sox’ designated hitter said to ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes.
Big Papi knows how productive he has been since the opening month of the season, hitting .297 with 17 home runs after batting .143 with one long ball in April. Now, he wants to be rewarded for his strong form.
“I don’t want one year,” said Ortiz, whose immediate future depends on the Red Sox picking up his $12.5 million option for next season. “Why should I return for one year and go through the same [stuff] I’m going through now, just because it’s my last year? No. I like to be left alone when I’m playing baseball. I know how to clean my [stuff] up.”
“Stuff” aside, the Red Sox may still be in the market for another big bat, though Ortiz’s meaning to the franchise, as well as his current productivity, do perhaps justify an extension.
“I wish I could hit when I wanted to, but it doesn’t work like that. It’s a process, man. Now look at it: I’m hitting, and they don’t want to pitch to me,” Ortiz told ESPN.com.
Whether or not a deal is made, Sox fans must be happy to know Papi’s intentions.
“I’m going to tell you, I ain’t going nowhere,” the slugger said.
