If there were one sentence to justify the Red Sox' steadfast support of designated hitter David Ortiz over the past year, that would be the one.
For Big Papi, that statement has become a motto of sorts. And considering Big Papi's reputation over his seven-year stint in Boston, it makes sense — he's known as a finisher. All those clutch hits, all those unforgettable walk-offs. Papi has always been all about how he finishes.
As for 2009, he didn't start well, and he didn't finish well either. He hit .230 in April, .143 in May, and didn't hit his first home run until May 20. Then in October, he had a postseason to forget — he went 1-for-12 and didn't drive in a single run.
But given how he finished the regular season, the Red Sox have reason to be optimistic about 2010. The fact that Papi had zero home runs on May 19 and had 28 by the beginning of October is amazing. The fact that he did it while battling constant media scrutiny, off-the-field controversy over ancient steroid tests, and even the illness of his father back in the Dominican Republic — it's almost too good to be true.
His numbers over the course of the entire season make him look pretty much just like the Papi of old. With 28 homers, 99 runs batted in, 35 doubles and a slugging percentage of .462, he's the same slugging DH the Red Sox have always trusted in the heart of their order. But the nightmarish two-month slump he endured to start 2009 is hard to forget. One has to wonder if Papi is headed for a decline.
His 34th birthday is Nov.18. His power numbers bounced back toward the end of this season, but his batting average and on-base percentage remained at their lowest point since his arrival in Boston in 2003.
In 2007, he hit .332. In '09, he hit .238.
More than anyone else on the Red Sox' roster, save for Tim Wakefield, Papi is an institution. The thought of removing him from Boston's lineup is unbearable for many in this town. Even in May, when most people thought he'd hit rock bottom, the attitude toward Ortiz was one of loyalty, not panic. This city stood by its man.
That sentiment won't last forever.
The buzz will be loud this offseason. The Red Sox have a chance to nab at least one marquee name on the free-agent market this winter, if not more — the big bats include Matt Holliday, Troy Glaus and Bobby Abreu, not to mention the Red Sox' desire to re-sign Jason Bay. On the trading block, the possibility of reeling in Adrian Gonzalez will linger on.
If any one of these deals becomes a reality, Papi could be the first to go.
At the very least, we could see the Red Sox' DH lose his full-time job and end up platooning instead, sharing duties with righty Mike Lowell. If Papi opens 2010 still prone to long-term slumps like the one that began 2009, it's hard to imagine him remaining a full-time starter much longer.
Boston is a traditional town. It's always valued its rich history. It's hard to imagine David Ortiz, a part of Boston sports lore, fading away. But that time might be coming sooner than we'd hoped.
Papi is on the hot seat this offseason. The Red Sox will be actively shopping for big bats, and if they get one, he could be among the first to go. It's never easy to say goodbye to an icon, but this icon is running out of time.
