David Ortiz understands where Jonathan Papelbon is coming from, but he doesn’t exactly hold the same opinion when it comes to Yasiel Puig‘s All-Star candidacy.
Papelbon said recently that it would be an “absolute joke” if Puig made the National League All-Star team because the rookie has played in less than half of the Dodgers’ games. Ortiz, on the other hand, thinks that the fans should get what they want, even if that means putting Puig in the All-Star Game.
“I know what Pap’s point is,” Ortiz told WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford. “[Puig] doesn’t have enough time, which I understand. I’m pretty sure that’s why Pap said what he said. He doesn’t have enough time to earn it.
“On the other hand, if the fans vote for him, screw it. I was looking at [Puig’s] numbers last night and I was impressed, myself. What he’s doing is incredible.”
Puig, who signed with Los Angeles as a free agent in 2012, is off to an historic start. He’s hitting .430 (49-for-114) with eight home runs and 19 RBIs in 29 games. His OPS is an amazing 1.174.
Puig has taken the baseball world by storm since being called up, but because the sample size is still relatively small, there has been a ton of debate about whether or not he should even be considered for the All-Star Game. Ortiz doesn’t seem to think it’s much of an issue, though.
“If he gets voted by the fans, screw it,” Ortiz reportedly added. “What he’s doing is extraordinary. It’s sick what he’s doing. If a guy like that goes to the All-Star Game, it’s because he’s doing something incredible.”
Jose Iglesias‘ fast start hasn’t received quite the attention that Puig’s stretch has, but the Red Sox rookie’s season has also been impressive. Iglesias enters Friday’s game hitting .411 (58-for-141) in 42 games while playing sensational defense. Although Iglesias’ power numbers don’t exactly stack up with Puig’s, Ortiz thinks that the Boston infielder should at least be part of the All-Star conversation.
“Jose, in his case, he made the team. He made the team out of spring training. It’s a little different,” Ortiz reportedly said. “And he’s played in 40-something games. I would to like to see the young talent out there, I don’t care. He’s just unbelievable, that’s what I think.”
Whether or not Puig and/or Iglesias gets to play in the Midsummer Classic will be determined before long. But before then, Ortiz had a simple message.
“You don’t hate, you appreciate,” Ortiz reportedly said.
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