David Ortiz Breaks out the Broom

Thanks to the bat of David Ortiz, the Red Sox finished off their second straight sweep at Yankee Stadium.  This was the first time since the new Yankee Stadium was built that the Yankees were swept by an opposing team in two straight series.  Oh, how the mighty have fallen.  The storyline for this entire series was Big Papi.  From the bat flip to the seventh inning double, Ortiz single handedly pummeled the Yankees out of first place.

Every time the Sox needed a big hit this series, Ortiz delivered.  In Game one, Ortiz’s two run homer in the 5th inning was the deciding factor in a 6-4 win.  Game two, Ortiz drills another two run home in the first inning to give the Sox a 3-0 lead leading to a route of 11-6.  Lat night, Ortiz started off the seventh inning with a single to ignite a seven run rally and finished the inning with a two run double to give the Sox an insurmountable 7-2 lead.  The Sox completed the three game sweep with a 8-3 victory to increase their lead in the AL East to two games.  How many teams do you know that could walk into Yankee stadium one game down and leave with a two game lead?  I know of only one, the 2011 Red Sox.

Josh Beckett beat the Yankees and C.C. Sabathia for the third time this season.  How did the big three of the Yankee’s fare this series?  Game one, Alex Rodriguez representing the tying run, stuck out to end the game.  Game two, Derek Jeter grounds into an inning ending double play with the bases loaded, after the Yankees have already plated 3 runs in the inning.  Game three, C.C. Sabathia starts the seventh inning with a 2-0, then implodes by giving up six earned runs.  Still don’t think this team is starting to show their age?

Ortiz now takes his “Big Papi Style” show on the road to Toronto, then Tampa Bay.  This certainly is the Ortiz of old.  Last year, Ortiz looked old and slow, unable to catch up to a fastball.  What is different this year?  Is it because his wrist finally healed or because it is his contract year?  If I had to guess, I would say a little of both.  Anyway you look at it, Ortiz deserves a new contract.  Big Papi is Boston, he loves to play here and wants to stay until he hangs them up.  If the Yankees can reward Jeter for his World Series rings, then Ortiz deserves a similar fate.

I will end with this, Big Papi has the confidence, swagger and more importantly his power back to where it once was.  Even with a team of this talent, Big Papi still stands out as a fan favorite and team leader.

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