Aug 15, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) is greeted at home plate by designated hitter David Ortiz (34) after hitting a two run home run during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
It was only a few days ago that Boston big-man David Ortiz told the media that he wants the Red Sox to sign Jon Lester. On Friday, Ortiz shared more advice (are you listening management?), when he stated that the Red Sox should keep 2014 pick-up Yoenis Cespedes in Boston.
Cespedes, who had pretty impressive numbers after being dealt to the Red Sox last season, certainly has the talent that Boston wants in the lineup. The question is… is there any room? With the signing of Hanley Ramirez, who will play in the outfield come Spring, the Red Sox have been faced with a very tough decision to make… who stays, and who goes?
While Cespedes could certainly draw some interesting on the trading block, Ortiz thinks it’s best to keep him right in Boston.
"“That’s a guy we need to let him play a full season at Fenway just to see what he’s capable of doing,” Ortiz told WEEI. “He played half of the (2014) season at Fenway, and his numbers impressed me. Remember, this is a guy who played his whole career at the (O.co) Coliseum, and that’s not a hitter’s ballpark. I think, especially with the lack of power that’s in today’s game, I would take my chances just watching him hit at Fenway for a year, just to see what he’s capable of doing.”"
Papi believes that the power that Cespedes brings to the lineup could be a huge boost to the powerful Boston order, should they choose to keep him around. It’s a critical time for the Red Sox, as they decide who will stay, and who will go. Stay tuned.