To get past the Angels and deep into the playoffs, the Red Sox are going to need designated hitter David Ortiz to produce.
Ortiz has shown signs that he’ll do just that. Since Sept. 1, Ortiz has 21 RBIs, and he finished the season with 99 on the season. As the weather has gotten colder, Ortiz’s bat has been heating up.
And, of course, October baseball is Ortiz's forte. He has made his name in the postseason with clutch hits.
The Angels know about Ortiz's heroics firsthand. In both the 2004 and 2007 ALDS against the Halos, Ortiz hit home runs to help the Red Sox win the series. It was feats like these that earned Ortiz the moniker of "Greatest Clutch Player in Red Sox History," an honor bestowed upon him by team ownership in 2005.
Ortiz looks to add to his legend this fall. While he didn’t fare all that well against the Angels during the regular season — batting only .167 with one home run, five RBIs and a .494 OPS in nine games – don’t be surprised if he steps up in the second season. Big players do their best work when it matters most.
