David Ortiz’s Presence Gives Stability to Red Sox Lineup, Making His Return a Necessity

by abournenesn

Dec 8, 2011

David Ortiz's Presence Gives Stability to Red Sox Lineup, Making His Return a NecessityDALLAS –– For eight seasons, David Ortiz was reliable. For eight seasons, he came through in the clutch.

Amid the Pedro Martinez years, amid the Curt Schilling years, amid the Manny Ramirez years, the designated hitter was the face of the franchise. With his imposing pop and charismatic personality, it was a given.

For those reasons, Ortiz and the Red Sox needed to renew this marriage. By accepting salary arbitration Wednesday, the slugger earned the opportunity to pen at least one more chapter in his storied legacy with the Red Sox.

Although the final framework of a deal hasn’t been decided, suffice it to say the Red Sox also gained a boost in terms of public perception.

The lone sight of Big Papi donning another Major League uniform would’ve shattered souls in Boston. But from the beginning, general manager Ben Cherington was on his trail, a gesture sure to appease his faithful fan base.

“I think [offering Ortiz arbitration] was a strong indication of our interest and our willingness to commit to him, potentially at a significant salary for next year,” Cherington said.

The return of the local hero demonstrates loyalty. Ironically, Ortiz’s re-up occurred on the same day that he was named the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award –– for the sixth time in his Red Sox career, by the way.

New Boston manager Bobby Valentine is aware of his decorated legacy. If he didn’t, the skipper wouldn’t have booked a last-minute trip to the Dominican Republic to lure Ortiz with a recruiting pitch.

Even on Wednesday, he expressed excitement after hearing reports that Big Papi was in position to accept arbitration.

“When you have someone who wins an individual award the previous season, you’re always excited about him being on the team,” Valentine said. “He’s the DH of the year, how could I not be excited about [potentially] having the DH of the year as a DH.”

With 456 doubles, 378 homers 1,266 RBIs and two World Series championships, Ortiz has already etched his name in Boston lore. Now, his return signals a chance to entrench himself as of the Red Sox’ greats.

At 36, he may no longer be the imposing force. After hammering 29 home runs and 96 RBIs in 2011, he proved that he can still provide a left-handed punch in the clutch.

Reliable, indeed.

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