The designated hitter’s 23 blasts were only eclipsed by catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia‘s 25 round-trippers. That’s why Ortiz is hoping the Red Sox sign sluggers this offseason that can help him with the firepower, according to WEEI.
“It’s not a surprise for anyone that follows the Red Sox that we need some thunder in that lineup,” Ortiz said on WEEI. “The problem is that there isn’t too many out there. That’s one thing. I’m pretty sure everybody needs to be a little patient. We have the winter meetings right now coming up and a lot of decisions get made right after the winter meetings, so hopefully they come out with some decisions.”
One of those decisions is whether to re-sign Cody Ross. In his first season with the Red Sox in 2012, Ross delivered 22 home runs — third-most on the team — and 81 RBIs in 130 games.
Ortiz vouched for Ross and expressed his hope that the outfielder would return to the Red Sox, praising Ross’ ability to stay focused amid a turbulent 2012 season.
“I think Cody deserves an opportunity to come back,” Ortiz said. “He played in the toughest time we were going through and he handled himself pretty good. He did a great job. He’s a great teammate. He’s a great, great teammate and he’s a guy that cares.
“Me, as a player, that’s what matters to me, when you have guys that care about winning, care about coming in every day and trying to make a difference. That’s the type of player I like to have around and that’s the type of player this organization needs. Cody did all of that throughout the year.”
With or without Ross, Ortiz hopes that there will be some help for him coming this offseason.
