David Ortiz has performed admirably this season, despite the Boston Red Sox’s major struggles. The slugger, like just about everyone else associated with the Sox, already has his eye on the 2015 season.
One reason for excitement stems from the addition of Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, whom the Red Sox signed last week to a seven-year contract. Ortiz and his Red Sox teammates got a chance to meet Castillo over the weekend, and the Boston DH came away impressed.
“He seemed like a great kid,” Ortiz told reporters Monday, according to the Boston Herald. “And you know, those kids from Cuba, at that stage, they know how to deal with things. They know what they’re doing. That’s why they come straight to the big leagues and perform at the highest level. It’s good for him to have a Spanish-speaker like myself. I can help him with a few things and being comfortable around here.”
Castillo also can lean on fellow Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, whom the Red Sox acquired from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline. Cespedes is under contract with the Red Sox through the 2015 season.
For now, Castillo is set to report to Fort Myers, Fla., for extended spring training at the Red Sox complex.
