David Ortiz’s 2011 Option A No-Brainer For Red Sox
Over the last few years, there has been little certainty about the future of David Ortiz in Boston. From steroid revelations to several abysmal starts, Ortiz looked like a different player both on and off the field.
But now, with less than a month left in the season, Big Papi is poised to go north of 30 HR and 100 RBI for the first time since Boston won it all in 2007. At this point, his 2011 club option has to be a no-brainer for the Sox…
Highlighted by his durability and production in 2010, Ortiz has made Theo Epstein’s decision an easy one. The Sox will more than likely pick up his $12.5 million option for next year, and quite frankly, they’d be stupid not to.
Among American League hitters, Ortiz currently ranks in the top 10 in home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS. He’ll be 35 years old next season, and a one year contract is ideal for an aging DH.
He can still hit, he remains one of the faces of the franchise, and it’s a team-friendly deal. What’s not to like?
Not much, unless you’re Ortiz. Big Papi clearly wants a long-term deal, but he’s in no position to receive one. He’s essentially having his contract year prior to an off-season in which he has zero leverage.
Still, when Ortiz hit .143 with 1 home run in April, there were serious doubts in Red Sox Nation about whether the option would be a smart idea. Since May 1st, Big Papi has smacked 27 bombs and driven in 83 runs, and it’s now not a stretch to say that he’s one of the more productive hitters in the AL.
If he was heading to free agency, Ortiz could probably command some large coin. Luckily, the Red Sox are in the driver’s seat, if he remains healthy next season, it will be a deal with little risk and high value.
There’s a degree of uncertainty for the Red Sox heading into next season, but David Ortiz’s role on the 2011 squad seems fairly certain.
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