The Red Sox undeserving All-Stars
By Rick McNair
May 26, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits a double in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nelson Cruz and/or Kendrys Morales will be the designated hitter. Or maybe Jimmy Paredes or Edwin Encarnacion? David Ortiz will not.
Ortiz is in a slump of epic proportions for him. Even a 68 at bat home run drought. An average that continues to spiral downward from a .263 of 2014. A power and extra base outage from Papi. Papi’s Isolated Power (ISO) has slipped dramatically – .163 from .255 of 2014. Papi’s WAR sits at -0.3.
So is Ortiz done? Red Sox nation has been down the route more than once, only to see Ortiz resurrect himself and rack up 30/100 or close to it. But at 39-years-old (or older?) the end just may be in sight. Ortiz has already mentioned his legacy, drug issue and the HOF, so he is prepping.
So Ortiz can make plans for a hiatus around All-Star time. Ortiz’ only shot is as a DH Emeritus.