A day after Josh Beckett‘s lackluster start against Cleveland, he called a team meeting — as reported by FOX Sports on Saturday — where the hitters and pitchers challenged each other to be accountable.
Nine days later, the Red Sox have taken note, peeling off eight victories in their last 10 contests. Ortiz’ decision to organize the closed-door meeting is just another example of the passion and leadership needed in the absence of now-retired captain Jason Varitek.
Mike Aviles had a front-row seat to the internal discussion between his teammates on May 11. Afterward, the Red Sox shortstop ambled out of the clubhouse even more motivated and with a newfound appreciation for Ortiz.
“He’s a leader, and when you have a leader like that call a meeting and basically say ‘Let’s go, let’s step this up and get where we need to be,’ you look at this locker room — and there’s a lot of talent in here — and there’s no reason we can’t win,” Aviles said. “None whatsoever.”
In reality, the gesture wasn’t anything new for Ortiz. On the first day of spring training, the 36-year-old stood in front of his teammates, ownership and upper management and delivered a speech on atoning for the 2011 collapse.
On the heels of the escapades that surfaced last September, Ortiz reminded the Red Sox that the clubhouse wasn’t a bar. He publicly supported Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine‘s decision to ban booze from the premises.
During the offseason, Ortiz walked the walk by shedding roughly 20 pounds. As a result of his extra work, the designated hitter managed to patrol first base exceptionally well in two of the team’s three games against the Phillies.
With Varitek and Tim Wakefield gone, Ortiz has been leading on the field — with nine homers and 29 RBIs — and off the field. Now, his example and passion is contagious within the clubhouse.
“I just feel like when you have your leaders talking and letting everybody know — we’re playing like a team now,” Aviles said. “That’s the way it should be. A lot of talent here. No reason not to win.”
Ever since that meeting, that’s all they’ve done: win.
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