So far, the results of that microscopic study have been bad. He's 0-for-7 through two games, and he's 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. As is well-known by now, Ortiz hit just .185 with one home run through April and May last year, so the 34-year-old is under extra scrutiny this year.
That scrutiny is not something that Ortiz is willing to discuss.
"You guys wait 'til [expletive] happens, then you can talk [expletive]," he told a group of reporters after Tuesday's loss to the Yankees, according to ESPN.com's Gordon Edes. "Two [expletive] games, and already you [expletives] are going crazy. What's up with that, man? [Expletive]. [Expletive] 160 games left. That's a [expletive]. One of you [expletives] got to go ahead and hit for me."
Ortiz, who had at least one hit taken away on Tuesday due to the defensive shift employed by the Yankees, then "jammed on a hat and plowed through a crowded clubhouse," according to the report.
Red Sox fans displayed their support for Mike Lowell during pregame introductions on Sunday night by offering the veteran a lengthy standing ovation. While many fans may feel Lowell is the better man for the designated hitter job, manager Terry Francona was pointing to the big picture on Tuesday evening.
"No, no, we're two games into the season," Francona said, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne. "I don't think we need to start [pinch-hitting Lowell for Ortiz against lefty relievers]. Not because I don't think Mikey can hit. I just think the big picture needs to be remembered."
Francona seemed optimistic that Ortiz would come around.
"I thought he was a little bit in between," Francona said, according to MLB.com. "I don't think two games [is an indicator]. Guys go 0-for-4, then they go 3-for-4. That's not going to make or break a season. It would be nice to get him on track, though. I agree."
For Ortiz — and the fans who supported him throughout that painful spring in 2009 — that can't happen soon enough.
