However, both pitchers struggled with their control were absolutely terrible all night long. Neither got out of the fifth inning, and Dempster needed 126 innings to go through all of 4.2 innings. Dempster and Diamond, both usually control pitchers, walked a total of 9 batters in a total of 9 innings. Luckily, the Red Sox were able to hit Diamond better than the Twins hit off of Dempster. 

May 18, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits a three run home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox took three runs in the first inning on a long home run to right-center field, his sixth of the year. Ortiz drove in one more run in the third inning on an RBI single that played right fielder Oswaldo Arcia enough that he couldn’t get a good throw in. The Red Sox took three more runs in the fifth inning, but in the bottom of the fifth, the Twins put a little rally together as well. They scored three runs in the inning and knocked Dempster out of the game, as the Red Sox chose to bring in Clayton Mortensen.

Mortensen worked out of that jam with just one more run scoring, but he brought upon another jam in the sixth. That was when Craig Breslow came in and pitched exactly like the Red Sox needed him to. Breslow went 1.2 innings of relief with no runs allowed on a hit and a walk. The Red Sox would show their support for Breslow in the seventh with a pair of two-run homers by David Ortiz and Daniel Nava to put the Red Sox up 11-5.

From that point on, the game went by pretty quickly (thank God, we would’ve been up until midnight!). The Red Sox tacked on one more run in the top of the ninth with a sacrifice fly by Ryan Lavarnway (Hot Lava had two RBIs in this game). Alex Wilson pitched very well in relief to close out the game, going two scoreless innings and striking out 2 batters. The one positive I can take from this game is that we’re in a whole lot better of a spot than the Twins.

May 14, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo has reported that David Ortiz has an oblique injury that may have started back in the Texas series. For a team already slumping badly (three straight, six of seven and nine of 11 losses) this is not the news fans were looking for.

Papi’s sore left oblique is, “something that affected my swing for a while,” Ortiz told Cafardo. So it appears Dan Shaughnessy’s article had nothing to do with Papi’s recent slump, broken last night with a three run blast in a 5-3 Red Sox loss to Tampa Bay.

Unless Papi truly isn’t ready to go it appears he’ll be hanging tough and staying in the lineup (he was also seen in the dugout last night pulling on the toes of shoes and wincing as he stretched both achilles tendons), which is about all the Red Sox can do if they’re to pull out of their current funk.

What do you think the Red Sox need to do to get back on the winning track? Fire away!

I respectfully disagree.  I think the Globe article was uncalled for and unnecessary because there really isn’t a whole lot of new news value to it.  It’s simply trying to sell newspapers.

Consider the source here.  Shaughnessy has a history as a negative hack in the Boston media who doesn’t put a whole lot of imagination into his columns.  Go back and look at his Globe archive about the Red Sox or any of the Boston sports teams.  I think you will find an overall theme of negativity in his writing.  In my opinion, this latest escapade is classic Shaughnessy and both Ortiz and the fans have a right to be annoyed.

May 5, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) follows through on his home run swing against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The question that I think gives them that right centers on what evidence is there that Ortiz is enhancing his performance during his hot start since coming off the DL?  Is there a particular source saying this?  I believe the answer is no because Shaughnessy didn’t name anyone in the piece, not even an anonymous.  And how about Ortiz’ 0-14 that followed the hot start?  Is he now cycling off?

Shaughnessy simply rehashes the ol’ PED accusation column and then claims he’s just doing his job by asking the questions fans and media everywhere are supposedly asking about Ortiz.

Look, I know bad news sells newspapers more than good news.  I get that.  But for Shaughnessy to back Ortiz into a corner and start asking him about supposed rumors that are going around baseball about his PED use is a joke.  Show me where these rumors are and attribute them to somebody.

And don’t give me the alleged Ortiz positive test in 2003 and the steroid list with 103 names on it. That has already been dealt with and reported on.  It’s ancient history.  We all know Ortiz has probably done something in the past.  I’m not trying to defend him.  After all, I’m not blind to the ugliness of baseball’s steroid era.

But, if you want a good story go find the list, release it, find Ortiz on it and then you have a reason to bring all of this up in the present day.  Until then, give it a rest, please.

Ortiz is right about one thing:  with the Boston media you really are damned if you do and damned if you don’t produce the numbers on the field.

Shaughnessy has the First Amendment right to publish anything he’d like as long as he is prepared to deal with any consequences that may come along.  But that’s not the issue here.

My problem is that there’s nothing new here to discuss.  Again, we’ve been down the PED road for years with Ortiz and it’s time to move on to another topic unless and until this one becomes relevant again.

Throwing out baseless accusations in Ortiz’ face is unprofessional and lazy on Shaughnessy’s part.  He should know better.

May 5, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) prepares to bat against the Texas Rangers in the eighth inning at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The Rangers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

During the course of the Q&A Shaughnessy explained that in all fairness he had to ask Ortiz about PEDs. Guys in their late 30s who miss spring training and hit .460 out of the gate immediately get caught in the crosshairs of suspicion. The questions could not have come as a shock to Papi. This is, after all, a guy who tested positive in 2003. Shaughnessy  was doing his job.

The interview concluded cordially. Shaughnessy published the article and the sports world exploded. Shrill comments rained down from the blogosphere. Fans got worked into a lather over the allegations. Site upon site shrieked that Papi was “hurt” and “upset” by the allegations. Duh! They also lashed out at Shaughnessy as an irresponsible journalist. Get a grip group.

Dan Shaughnessy is a pros pro. He’s forgotten more about great sports writing than many of those who pounded him and the story will learn in their lifetime. What was the guy supposed to do, shy away because the questions were uncomfortable or controversial?

During the height of the steroid scandal through the 90s the press was excoriated, branded as co-conspirators along with MLB management as parties to the scandal; an institution  that looked the other way as heads, necks, biceps and batting averages bulged.

The story really wasn’t so much about Shaughnessy’s article as it was the overreaction and hysteria surrounding it.

Shaughnessy’s well-reasoned comments about the specific tenor of his conversation with Ortiz as well as his rationale for covering the story can be found here.

To quote the beginning of Shaughnessy’s article on Ortiz:
“How do you think he does it? I don’t know! What makes him so good?’’
“Pinball Wizard” - Pete Townshend

What do you think? Was Shaughnessy correct covering the story?

After being on the DL since April 6, John Lackey was given the opportunity to work his way back in what was essentially another minor league rehab start against one of the worst teams in the league. He didn’t disappoint. Lackey tallied four K’s over 6 innings, surrendering five hits and just one run. Even when Lackey got into a bases loaded jam in the sixth, he was able to strike out Fernando Martinez on a sharp curve and get the next batter to ground out, ending the threat.

April 28, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (41) pitches during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Offensively, the Sox continued to post impressive at-bats against the’ Stros pitching, collecting 6 runs, 11 hits and 2 walks on the afternoon. Any concerns regarding David Ortiz continue to be quelled, as Big Papi had another two hit effort, including an RBI single in the first and RBI double in the seventh.

The two big run scoring innings were the fourth and fifth innings, in which the Sox scored twice each inning. In the fourth, Stephen Drew hit a timely two-run triple, which broke the 1-1 tie at the time. In the fifth, Dustin Pedroia and Mike Carp each had RBI doubles, further adding to their hot starts in 2013.

Following John Lackey’s exit, the bullpen suppressed any Astros opportunities with three scoreless innings of work.

I would be remiss not to mention Daniel Nava‘s absolutely spectacular catch to end the ballgame. While people see the full-out dive and “oooh and ahhh,” I’m just as impressed about the insane amount of ground Nava had to cover just to reach that point.  Offensively, Nava didn’t disappoint either, reaching base three times, and scoring on each of those occasions.

Tomorrow is an off-day for the Sox before heading up to Toronto for a three-game set. With another victory on Tuesday, it will mark the first time a Sox team won 19 games in April, a welcome improvement from the early season sloppiness some Sox fans have grown accustomed to.

That is largely because Felix Doubront looked absolutely horrendous to the first six batters he faced. Through those six batters, he had walked three, hit a batter, allowed a hit, and was down 2-0. From that point forward, however, Doubront was magnificent. He retired the last two batters of the inning and only allowed two more hits the rest of the game. As one could expect, he piled up the strikeouts against a free-swinging Astros ballclub as Doubront recorded eight punchouts to four walks. He would earn the win to improve to 3-0 on the year and lowered his ERA to 4.24 on the year.

Apr 27, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz reacts by flexing his muscles after hitting a two-run double against the Houston Astros during the second inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Peacock was not so lucky on the other side of the field, however. He managed to escape the first inning unscatched, but he was rocked in his second inning of work. The Red Sox batted around and scored four runs on two-run hits by Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz. They also worked Peacock to the tune of four walks and 42 pitches in the inning alone.

That was enough to tire Peacock out for the rest of the game, as he only lasted 3.1 innings; however, the Red Sox weren’t done scoring runs. They picked up one more in the fourth before putting together another rally in the seventh inning. Five of six batters reached after a leadoff out and RBI’s by Stephen Drew, Daniel Nava, and Dustin Pedroia put the Sox up to 8-3.

The bullpen was generally good after Doubront’s departure after 6.2 innings. Apart from Daniel Bard‘s two walks to two batters, Junichi Tazawa, Alex Wilson, and Andrew Miller got the job done out of the ‘pen. The Red Sox didn’t have to turn to any high-leverage relievers (except Tazawa, who only threw to two batters). All in all, it was a good game as the Red Sox improve to 17-7 on the year.

The Boston offense got off to a hot start, jumping all over Houston’s Phillip Humber in the first. Four Red Sox would cross home plate in the inning, with RBI base hits by Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Mike Carp, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

April 20, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) pitches during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

That would be more than enough for Buchholz, who managed to limit threats in both the second and third to just one run each inning. Also of note, Buchholz was able to keep the ball on the ground for the solid Sox defense to gobble up, recording eight ground ball outs throughout the night.

In the 3rd, David Ortiz lead off the inning with his first blast of 2013, driving the Lucas Harrell fastball over the wall in center. Ortiz would cap off the night with another hit in the fifth, raising his season average to a robust .550.

Other notable offensive performances from the night include Mike Carp (2-4, RBI, 2 R) and Dustin Pedroia (1-3, BB, RBI), both of whom added to their successful starts to 2013.

Tomorrow, the Sox will continue to get acquainted with their new American League counterparts in game 2 of the series. The Astros will send former Oriole, Erik Bedard to the hill (5-4, 4.25 ERA career against the Sox), while the Sox will start Ryan Dempster (3.38 ERA, 12.38 K/9). Game start

August 24, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) bats during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

SI.com reported that Ortiz told reporters before the game, ““When it comes down to hitting, I haven’t played in a while, so you just want go back to that zone that everybody knows you need to be able to dominate once you get to the bigs, because otherwise, it’ll give you a hard time,” Ortiz said, according to ESPN.com. “On the other hand, I want to make sure my foot is doing well.”

Thursday night he reportedly ran without pain. As reported by the New York Daily News, Ortiz said, “I feel fine. That’s the important thing, to be able to run around the bases and be able to move around and be able to do that with freedom — without hesitation.”

July 15, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) reacts in the dugout after they scored against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Reports today indicated that David Ortiz‘s ailing heels are feeling better. “More stable” is how Papi characterized it. He also revealed just how frustrating and “weird” he felt not being in the Opening Day lineup against the Yankees on Monday.

Ortiz, who is currently on the 15 day disabled list, ran on Monday without pain and hopes to play in minor league or extended spring training games as early as next week. There is no timetable for his return as Boston is opting to take it slow and ensure that when he comes back they give him every opportunity to make it for good. In a story published by the AP on Tuesday, Ortiz said, ”Feeling good, very good. I’m at the point right now that it’s more stable than what it used to be. That’s good, seems like we’re moving forward.”

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew (7) connects for an RBI single in the first inning during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In other Red Sox injury news, the Boston Globe reported today that shortstop Stephen Drew was cleared to resume play and made three plate appearances in an extended spring game on Tuesday in Florida. Drew’s replacement, Jose Iglesias, went 3-for-5 with an RBI on Monday in Boston’s opener against the Yankees.

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July 13, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox manager, John Farrell, said today not to expect Mike Napoli to be in the mix since he’s made such good progress at first base but rather that the Sox were looking at a possible rotation of Jonny Gomes, Mauro Gomez, Mike Carp and Daniel Nava.

The last time I heard talk like this was when it was coming out of Terry Francona‘s mouth in 2003 during Boston’s “bullpen by committee” experiment, which ended in disaster. This feels a little like the offensive version of that game of roulette that worked out so miserably for Boston’s bullpen. It’s understood that in the short term Farrell and company need to patch something together with only a little over two weeks to go until it’s for real baseball. This is, however, not a long-term sustainable strategy.

“We envision it as being a little bit of a rotation, so not to say one person would be strictly a DH, that’s an initial approach,” Farrell told The Boston Herald’s Michael Silverman.

The season hasn’t even begun and it’s already hand-wringing time for the Nation. Their beloved but aging slugger is struggling and may not ever be the same, which paints a world of uncertainty on Boston’s 2013 canvas. Amidst all the angst and fickleness, one thing is certain; the team is greatly diminished without his towering presence.

And what it all comes down to
Is that I haven’t got it all figured out just yet
’cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign
- Hand In My Pocket, Alanis Morissette 

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Will Papi ever be right this season? Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox announced that David Ortiz will be sidelined for at least five to seven days after an MRI revealed that his right heel, injured in July of 2012, is still inflamed and balky. Papi’s achilles injury has been more than a curiosity. How can an injury that wasn’t even a rupture still be giving him so much grief nine months after the fact?

I have a friend, Lew, who lives in New Hampshire. Without revealing all the particulars, let’s just say that Lew’s got 20+ years on Papi. He was talking to the doctor who did his rotator cuff surgery and asked him what he thought was up with Ortiz. Lew also ruptured his achilles tendon a couple of years ago. He rehabbed it and continues to run 10-15 miles per week in addition to officiating high school basketball games.

Lew’s doc said he’d heard through the grapevine that the injury is actually in a spot where the tendon meets the heel of Ortiz’ foot, an area that gets almost no blood flow and often never heals correctly.

I have first-hand experience with injuries in places that get no blood flow. In my twenties, strangely enough while playing basketball with Lew, I was floored by a much larger human being after setting a pick during a lunchtime basketball game. The collision threw me backward and in an attempt to break my fall I broke the navicular bone in my wrist. When I went to the doctor he said I would have been better off breaking the whole wrist because this tiny bone got very little blood supply and would take a much longer time to heal. I was casted for six weeks instead of four and after many months of rehabilitation I was able to resume normal sports activities and play my guitar. You know, all the things that make life truly worth living. A few conclusions can be drawn from this experience:

1. I sustained this injury in my twenties and it still took me months to recover from it.
2. I don’t walk on my hands.
3. As evidenced by Mike Napoli‘s recent diagnosis of avascular necrosis, bones that get poor blood supply either don’t heal well or die.

August 24, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) prior to a game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

While all this is interesting, the elephant in the room begs the $26 million question. How did this come to be and why wasn’t it discovered prior to Papi’s new contract offering? The doctor said that it’s an often mis-diagnosed injury because the pain is disguised in the achilles tendon. Still, it’s hard to imagine that a medical staff accustomed to managing high-ticket athletes not examining all the possibilities before the Sox pulled the trigger on a new contract with Ortiz.

The Red Sox medical staff has a new Director this year. The organization made further changes in the medical staff as well. Still, the nagging questions regarding diagnosing and managing athletes persist. Jacoby Ellsbury‘s ribs and back and Dustin Pedroia‘s foot in 2010 are just two recent examples of either really bad luck or suspect medical diagnoses and subsequent management.

As I said at the outset, I’m not a doctor. I’m just a fan who expects expert diagnosticians, skillful courses of treatment and, in the case of Ortiz, solid recommendations when it comes to the financial investment the organization makes in aging athletes. While it’s true that Boston pockets $4 million if Ortiz is out more than 20 days this season due to the achilles injury based on a protective clause in his contract, the Red Sox may have been better off not re-signing Papi and driving the dollars into what may still become Plan B in 2013. It pains me to say that. It also pains me to think about a season without a real DH in a Red Sox uniform.

Grab your lunch pail check for mail in your slot
You won’t get your cheque if you don’t punch the clock
Bus rider.
-Bus Rider, The Guess Who 

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David Ortiz and the Red Sox have a lot to think about. Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox manager John Farrell isn’t pulling any punches. “That’s where he’s been feeling discomfort,” Farrell told ESPN. “It hasn’t been in his right Achilles specifically. It’s been overall in both heels.” Ortiz has been unable to run the bases two days in a row without pain since spring training started.

Although Farrell wouldn’t directly speculate on how Ortiz has ended up in this spot, I can and will. Ortiz has pain in his other heel because he’s changed the way he runs to compensate for the gimpy right heel that got him on the DL in the first place shortly after the All-Star break during the 2012 season. This is a dark and slippery slope. If this keeps up, the next things to go will be hamstrings and his back, effectively neutralizing Papi’s ability to drive the ball and hit for power. Given this scenario, with three weeks remaining until opening day Boston needs to seriously start working plan B.

At this point, Boston has options but not great ones when you’re talking about taking a healthy Ortiz bat out of the lineup. Lyle Overbay is a career 270 hitter whose power numbers have dropped precipitously since 2010. Mike Carp is career .255 hitter even more anemic power numbers.

Some have suggested that Jonny Gomes be made the DH and move Daniel Nava to left field. That’s fine against lefties but do you really want a career .223 hitter against righties as your regular DH?

Could Mike Napoli be Boston’s DH answer if Papi can go? Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

If it comes to it, I would more likely move Mike Napoli to the DH role and Daniel Nava to first base. Nava has quietly been learning first base this spring after pitching his services to Farrell. The other option is to platoon Nava at first base and left field and have Gomes DH against lefties and Napoli against righties. It would give Napoli a break to help manage his health and would give Boston pop from either side of the plate on any given night but would fall apart if Nava gets injured. If Nava were to go down, Overbay or Carp could play first base and Jackie Bradley could get called up and play left field.

“It’s not like April 1 [Opening Day] is a drop-dead date for an entire season,” Farrell said. “So we’re not going to rush and make any decision where we say, ‘You know what? Opening Day is out.’ ” While that’s true, Boston should start moving these pieces around on their chess board if they want to be in the best possible position on April 1.

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Aug 2, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) talks to reporters before the start of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Ortiz blew out his Achilles tendon on July 17, 2012. After rehabbing and resting this winter and taking it slow so far in spring training, Ortiz ran the base paths full out Saturday yet was sore enough on Sunday that he was forced to skip his back-to-back sessions. Manager John Farrell wants to see successive pain-free sessions before moving Papi to the next level. Ortiz ran again today and will try to see if he can go on Tuesday.

“It feels good. When I get it going, I’m fine, you know what I’m saying? The problem is once I cool off, I start getting soreness and stuff,” Ortiz told MLB.com’s Ian Browne after Monday’s rigorous workout. “The doctors say it will go away. It’s just part of the treatment, part of [increasing the program]. I wasn’t running like that, you know what I’m saying? When you’re injured, you have to start getting used to it.”

Which brings us to the what ifs. What if Ortiz doesn’t bounce back? What if Boston need’s to look for another DH?

It’s not about the money. The Red Sox smartly negotiated a fair deal with Ortiz that pays him what he’s worth at this point in his career and also protects them. As part of his two-year contract Ortiz’s 2014 salary can go up from $11 million to $15 million if he spends fewer than 20 days on the disabled list due to the Achilles’ tendon injury. If he spends more than 20 days on the DL Boston pockets the $4 million, which could be used for another hitter if need be.

If it comes to the inevitable and Papi can’t go no one will actually be able to replace Ortiz, one of the most feared, successful and clutch hitters of the past decade. His absence would leave a gaping hole in both Boston’s offense and their swagger. Ortiz’s situation is one reason why guys like Lyle Overbay are still hanging around camp.

Papi still see himself in the starting lineup on April 1 and is committed to working toward that goal.

“Oh, I want to play way before that,” Ortiz told Browne. “Of course, that’s why we’re doing all this stuff so I’m good to go for Opening Day. The main goal right now is to make sure I get to play down here. If I play down here, that means I’m good to go, you know what I’m saying?”

Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Lookin’ for adventure
And whatever comes our way
- Born To Be Wild, Steppenwolf 

David Ortiz is still not fully recovered from the Achilles tendon tear that he suffered last July.  Rehabbing an Achilles injury is tough for any professional athlete, regardless of age.  And Big Papi is 37 and not getting any younger, despite how well he performed in 2012 before the injury.

July 13, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In recent days there’s been a lot of talk that Ortiz will be fully recovered from the injury by opening day, April 1, at Yankee Stadium.  He better be ready because without him, the Red Sox will have the same gaping hole they had in the middle of that lineup last season.  We all know how that turned out for the team.

So what happens if Ortiz is not ready to play in the opener and has setbacks in spring training?  I’m sure the Red Sox have a plan but don’t dare publicize it unless they absolutely must.

We, as fans, are always looking ahead and, after the injury filled debacle of 2012, it would be nice if there was an immediate solution if Ortiz’ situation becomes a problem.

Actually, there is a solution if Ortiz misses significant time and his name is Ryan Lavarnway.  Yes, that Ryan Lavarnway.  The forgotten man in the Red Sox prospect chain.

With all the gushing over Jackie Bradley, Jr., Xander Bogaerts and others, Lavarnway is the forgotten man.  Blocked from any catching duties by the combo of Jarrod Saltalamacchia and David Ross, Lavarnway is a man without a position, yet the Red Sox say they are still high on him.

September 20, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Ryan Lavarnway (60) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

If so, it’s a no-brainer that he should take over as the full time DH if Ortiz is not ready.  What better way to find out about this kid than to watch him hit, which the Sox say is his greatest asset, on a full-time basis?

If something happens to Ortiz the solution is so easy that it’s too good to be true.  Now, I know there will be Negative Nellies who will say “you can’t replace an all-time player like Papi with a third string catcher.”

But why not and what other options are there? Besides, I think Lavarnway’s production would be closer to what he did at the end of 2011 when he got some regular starts, than his bad 2012 when he really had no consistent playing time.

As for other options is 35-year old Lyle Overbay is the answer?  Mauro Gomez?  Maybe Jonny Gomes could be but he can’t hit righties.

It’s not like the Sox have a ton of flexible options on their roster.  When you combine that with the fact that the team wants to get Lavarnway playing time in the majors because he has nothing left to prove in Triple A, this is the move to be made if it is necessary.

I hope Ortiz misses no time because if he does it’s going to be a rough go for the Sox.  But if he has setbacks I’d much rather see a young player building his stock than some old retread just holding a place in the lineup.

For more on this story, check out the link to my web show right here: http://youtu.be/fTmVzwSv53s

Looks like the Big Man will be back bashing in Boston. Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier in the day, sources reported – The Bleacher Report among them – that Texas was interested in Ortiz as an offensive replacement for Josh Hamilton, who is headed toward certain free agency.

Intellectualizing that Ortiz may not have been with the Red Sox in 2013 was a lot different than viscerally reacting to the Rangers news earlier in the day. Ortiz in a Rangers uniform? Come on man! Big Papi, one of the most consistent hitters in the majors over the last decade, has hit at least 20 homers in every season and has driven in at least 100 runs six times.

With the retirement of Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield, Ortiz has become the de facto senior statesman on the club. He’s great PR, a solid role model and community member. He’s the founder of  David Ortiz Children’s Fund, releasing his own charity wine label, Vintage Papi, in 2008, the proceeds of which go the Children’s Fund. If the deal is indeed consummated Red Sox fans can hope for an encore performance of more vintage Papi.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB
- Respect, Aretha Franklin

(more…)

Big Papi likely due for a sweet deal. Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

Ortiz has be adamant on two points: 1) He wants to finish his career in Boston as a member of the Red Sox; 2) He wants a multi-year deal. I was against the multi-year deal at the end of the 2011 season. I was and still am an advocate of the position that when the wheels come off the Ortiz cart, they’ll come off in a hurry. Yet, after watching what transpired with Boston’s implosion of the multi-year contract babies who were ultimately dealt in large part to the Dodgers and appreciating what David Ortiz does and is to the Red Sox franchise I’m ready to cough up a two-year deal that makes it right for everyone.

When interviewed by the Boston Herald on Monday Ortiz jokingly said he “I want two years and $60 (million)!” Ortiz also commented on Jeter’s injury, perhaps because, in very different ways, their seasons came to an end due to injury. “He’s got to be so devastated, bro,” Ortiz said.

“That’s a tough one. I know that’s the one guy you don’t want to see something like that happen to. You don’t want to see that happen to anybody, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve got a lot of respect for him. He’s a class guy, you know what I’m saying? There’s not one person in baseball that doesn’t respect Derek Jeter.

He’s the kind of guy that every time you play the Yankees, you want to play against him. That’s how much respect I have for him. Watching him go down like that is not right. It’s just not right.”

There were few bright spots in the 2012 Red Sox season. The re-emergence of a fit, trim, dedicated and energized David Ortiz was one of them. Until his injuryBig Papi and the Red Sox. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. If the Red Sox are smart they’ll go slightly above the new arbitration circumvention rules and put Big Papi on ice for two years for something like a cool $28-32 million. The guy has paid his dues. If the wheels do indeed come off the cart after the first year, Sox fans and the organization can take comfort in the fact that they’ve made infinitely worse blunders with lesser talents and individuals.

The full text of the Ortiz interview can be found here.

Money- everything
Everything
Money- everything
Money- everything
Money- everything
Money- everything
- I’ll Give You Money, Peter Frampton

David Ortiz. Stay healthy my friend. Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE

The signing of  Ortiz, .318/.415/.611 with 23 home runs and 26 doubles, will be a priority for Red Sox management. “David is someone who we feel strongly about bringing back and we’re trying to figure out a way to do that and we hope that happens,” GM Ben Cherington said at the end of the regular season. Talks are set to start in earnest next week.

Ortiz was vocal last year about his desire to sign a multi-year deal. With $270 million in salary recently unloaded to the Dodgers, Boston is in a much better position to negotiate with Ortiz this year, although at 37 it would be unwise to offer more than a two-year deal. I have always contended that when the wheels come off the Ortiz cart it is going to be in a hurry and Boston needs to guard what essentially happened this year; a productive year brought to a halt by an achilles injury suffered while jogging around the bases after a teammates home run.

Further, there are new rules this year under the collective bargaining agreement that are not in Ortiz’s favor. Instead of arbitration, teams have an option of making a qualifying offer based on the average salary of the top 125 players in the league.

For Ortiz, who made $14.58 million in 2012, that would mean a cut in pay since the average salary is expected to be somewhere near $13 million.

Ross. Super cool and a bona fide dirt dog. Credit: Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE

Ross, who signed a one-year $3 million deal with the Sox for the 2012 season, says he is already in contract talks with Boston management. Ross was one of Boston’s few pleasant surprises both on the field and in the clubhouse during an otherwise wretched campaign. Ross’ line of .267/.326./.481 with 22 homers and an uncanny ability to stay motivated and above the fray made him a stable and solidifying influence on the club.

As reported on espngo.com, a source recently told ESPNBoston’s Gordon Edes last month that the Red Sox had spoken with Ross, telling him they’d like to bring him back. Ross is rumored to be looking for at least a three-year deal from the Red Sox.

If Ross solves his road productivity he could become even more valuable to Boston.

At Fenway, Ross hit .298 with a .356 on-base percentage, a .565 slugging percentage, and a .921 OPS. The road was a very different story for Ross. Away from Fenway, he hit .232 with a .294 on-base and .390 slugging percent that resulted in a .684 OPS.

The best things in life are free
But you can give them to the birds and bees
I want money
- Money (That’s What I Want), Flying Lizards (and many, many, many others)

Aside from the obvious need of upgrading their starting pitching, the Red Sox will have some roster decisions to make this off season and none will be bigger, literally, than David Ortiz.  With Big Papi set to hit the free agent market after the 2012 season concludes, the Red Sox will have to assess their desire and need for the services of a player like Ortiz.  If his absence over the final two months of the season is any indication, the Sox are in dire straits for a bat like Ortiz and resigning him should be a top priority.

The good news for Ben Cherington is that Ortiz wants to stay in Boston, a city that adores the slugging veteran who has been referenced as Shrek, the fictional ogre character.  Ortiz recently told Rob Bradford of WEEI.com that he wants to resign with the Red Sox this winter but adds that the club has to remain focused on winning and adding players that will take help this club compete for the postseason.

“I want to be part of this. That’s the thing I can tell you the most going into free agency. At the same time, this is a winning ballclub here. You need to bring in those players who like to win because this is a winning organization right here. This is an organization that the past 10 years have been very successful. You can’t let that rhythm walk away from you. You have to at least be part of the playoffs. We have two wild cards, and we’re not even in it. You can’t let that happen.”

When the Red Sox unloaded over a quarter of a billion dollars to the LA Dodgers last month, many instantly focused on Ortiz as the logical choice to shore up the Red Sox batting order by providing power and a run producing threat.  We’ve also heard lately that Ben Cherington and his posse have mutual feelings about bringing back Ortiz into the Red Sox fold making the extension all but a done deal, at least hypothetically.

Ortiz wants a multi-year deal and the Red Sox will be inclined to give it to him with their financial freedom thanks to the Dodgers.  Big Papi is quick to point out that his idea of multi-year deal is not the four or five year length that some people perceive but the two-year type.  He knows his age is creeping up to the retirement level and he’s currently battling a nagging Achilles strain that has sidelined him for almost two months and likely the remainder of the season, making these next two-years his potential swan song in Boston, should a deal get done.

With Ortiz reiterating the desire to win, this should coincide with management’s intent to compete for the division next season making the negotiations somewhat easier if the organization is serious about winning in 2013.  While the free-agent class has it’s headliners in Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke, it’s doubtful the Red Sox will pursue either player as both are surely to cash in big with some free-spending clubs; the Sox are unlikely to be one.  Gone are the massive deals that Cherington just parted ways with, meaning any additions via the winter hot stove will be smart, team focused decisions in the range of one-year deals with club options, similar to the one Adrian Beltre received.  Not exactly the blockbuster deals that make a team an instant contender on paper.

While this may not be what Ortiz had in mind, it doesn’t mean the club can’t add the necessary pieces to compete next season. One example is to look at starting pitchers like Dan Haren and Gavin Floyd, who could be available and might provide some much needed depth on the mound.  Of course given their shaky seasons this year, they could be considered as another Ben Cherington gamble, something that Ortiz could be growing tired of in his last couple of years in Boston.  Then again, if the short-term gambles pay off, then maybe this club has what it takes to contend as early next season, with that charge centered around David Oritz.

For the record, when asked what Ortiz thinks the Red Sox need in order to be successful in 2013, he simply answered:

“I would go and try and get another three David Ortiz’s.”

“We need more bad [bleepity bleepers].”

“Go out and get good players.”

“I think we need to get a little of everything.”

While some will be quick to jump on Ortiz for his comments, saying he is throwing his teammates under the bus, this season hasn’t exactly been a dream for the Sox organization.  And Big Papi is merely speaking the truth.  This roster certainly has good players, it’s just not good enough to compete, not now and likely not ever with the current roster.  Adjustments and tinkering are needed and Big Papi is merely stressing the importance of that.

He did again use the comparison of what the Yankees are doing and how successful they’ve been and with talk earlier this past winter that he would consider joining the Evil Empire, these comments could be considered alarming.  But when you consider that he’s stressed his desire to stay in Boston for at least the next two years, it’s likely his words are those when speaking with frustration.  The way this year has gone, the frustration is warranted.

Everyone who follows the Red Sox is aware of Big Papi’s value to the team.  Since his absence in July, the team has sputtered along, failing to keep their head above water.  Rather, they have sank to last place in the division and appear to be quite comfortable as bottom feeders.  Ortiz returned on August 24 from his Achilles strain to suit up for one game and his presence was felt immediately when he delivered two RBI on a double and a single.  But upon further aggravating the injury, Ortiz has again been sidelined despite a  platelet-rich plasma injection two weeks ago that didn’t help the strain.  Instead it has forced the slugger to retire for the remainder of the year.  On the season, Ortiz is hitting .318 with 23 home runs with 60 RBI.

In other injury related news, outfielder Daniel Navawill be activated from the disabled list before Sunday’s game.  Nava has been out of action thanks to a ganglion cyst that will likely require surgery after the season, but for now he’s been given medical clearance to return to game action. On the year, Nava a slash line of .250/.370/.392/.762 with 4 home runs and 27 RBI through 67 games.