Ortiz has a lot to prove in 2010. Another slow start won't go over well at the Fens, nor will it be as quickly forgiven, especially if the Red Sox pick up another bat this offseason. The truth is, regardless of that big smile and plethora of past walkoffs, Papi will have to prove at 34-years-old and coming off an erratic summer, that he deserves an everyday spot in the lineup.
He also has his future to worry about as his contract calls for a 2011 option once the 2010 season comes to a close. Will Ortiz bow out into the shadows or will Boston's biggest basher be asking Theo Epstein and his office-mates for that option?
"Why not?" Ortiz asked the Boston Herald. "I will ask for one."
After all, this is the David Ortiz we're talking about.
"I’m not just another player on the Red Sox that goes to Fenway and plays," added Ortiz. "I’m a guy, I carry that organization with me everywhere I go. I’ve got it stamped on my forehead. I’m not saying this just to say I want them to get to know that. They know that and I know this is a business. At one point, they have to make a decision. And they will, because that’s how this goes."
As if chasing and attempting to dethrone the World Series champion Yankees won't put the 2010 Red Sox roster under enough magnification, Ortiz will be hitting against the wind, battling uphill and playing with the added weight of the Boston media and flip-flopping Nation.
After seven seasons in the Hub, Ortiz is ready.
"People always want to look for a reason to point at you," he said. "I’m just happy with the way things ended because a lot of people were trying to say I’m old, I can’t play the game anymore, this and that. Old at 33? What the hell is that?"
