FORT MYERS, Fla. — While there were no pyrotechnics, elaborate guitar riffs or stage dives to speak of, David Ortiz made a rock star arrival to Boston Red Sox spring training.
Ortiz, the only Red Sox player who had yet to report, showed up to JetBlue Park on Tuesday and immediately generated buzz. The nine-time All-Star didn’t speak to reporters, but his every move was under close surveillance, per usual.
“I think any time David walks through the room, it lightens it up, it brings an energy,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said. “He looks in great shape. I had a chance to talk with him earlier when he first got in here (Tuesday) morning. He’s full-go and a major part of everything that we do.”
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Ortiz, sporting a new haircut, appeared to be in peak physical condition despite embarking on his 19th major league season at age 39. He even joked before entering the Red Sox’s clubhouse that he’s glad his belly didn’t grow like Pablo Sandoval’s. (Sandoval, of course, faced questions about his weight last week, which both he and his teammates have since had fun with.)
“Regardless of where players come from, they all look up to (Ortiz),” Farrell said. “There are certain players in the game that draw the attention of the opponents, that draw the attention of your teammates. What everyone has witnessed and felt is David’s genuineness.
“He cares about people. He just doesn’t talk about it, but he does it in his own private time and off the field. When it comes to a team and taking care of his teammates, he’s very protective. And he gives a lot of confidence to those guys who are first coming to Boston to understand what the uniqueness and greatness of playing here can present. In addition to the numbers he puts up, that’s what makes David himself.”
The Red Sox will need Ortiz to perform offensively this season, but he’ll certainly have plenty of protection within Boston’s revamped lineup. Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, both of whom signed lucrative contracts this offseason, will be instrumental in making the Sox a more dangerous club at the dish in 2015. And each already has established a strong connection with No. 34.
“What can I say about Papi? Those who know Papi know he’s (respected) because of his heart,” Ramirez said. “He does on the field and off the field so many good things. We love Papi. He’s the man.”
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Nearly everyone wanted a piece of Ortiz on Day 1. He stopped to chat with former teammate Jason Varitek on his way over to one of the back fields at JetBlue Park, where he took batting practice alongside Sandoval, Ramirez and Rusney Castillo. Ortiz also joked with the trio, even calling out Ramirez to join the fray as the shortstop-turned-left fielder sat on one of the benches before participating in BP.
“His place in Red Sox history is pretty clear. But that doesn’t put him into a position to take anything for granted or slack up in his work or his preparation,” Farrell said of Ortiz, a three-time World Series champion. “It’s about winning, it’s about him going out and performing like he’s capable of.
“You start to pencil in 30 (home runs) and 100 (RBIs). That’s been pretty consistent with David.”
Ortiz is entering his 13th season with the Red Sox, so he’s been through this whole spring training thing before. The anticipation had been mounting with regard to his arrival, though.
On Tuesday, Ortiz brought down the house.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
