As you may know, the next home run Ortiz hits will be the 400th of his MLB career, a milestone that only 48 other players have reached. Many fans would love to be able to watch Ortiz hit that home run in person, but with the Sox in the middle of a seven-game West Coast swing, they may not get the chance. Even worse, three of the five remaining games on the road trip start after 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, meaning some fans may be in bed when Ortiz does hit his historic blast.
If Ortiz does get his 400th at home — the Red Sox begin a four-game series with the Yankees at Fenway on Friday — that may mean that Ortiz, and the team, aren't doing so well. Boston has won 11 of its last 15, and Ortiz has been raking during that stretch, hitting .327 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs. No home runs over the next five games from Ortiz could see the team drop back a few games in the standings. Would seeing Ortiz go yard at home make up for it?
Another thing to consider is the pressure that could accompany Ortiz if he doesn't hit No. 400 in the next couple of games. Remember how long it took Tim Wakefield to get career win No. 200 last season? It was clear that after a few starts of coming up short, the pressure and increased media attention had an effect on the Sox knuckleballer. It's been two games since Ortiz hit No. 399, and he could face the same pressure if he goes homerless for the next few days.
So, what would you prefer? That Ortiz get his home run chase over with as soon as possible to minimize distractions? Or that he hits his 400th at home in front of the Fenway Faithful?
Do you want David Ortiz to hit his 400th career home run at Fenway Park?
