Red Sox David Ortiz to David Price: ‘I got your back’

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz wastes no time burying the hatchet with rival turned teammate David Price.

David Ortiz rolled into camp Monday morning greeting everyone he encountered with a warm welcome, the most noteworthy of which was reserved for one of his newest teammates.

Ever since the Boston Red Sox signed David Price to a lucrative free agent deal in December fans have wondered how their new ace would manage to co-exist with Ortiz, who he shares a tumultuous history with, to say the least.

The two have traded words on and off the field over the years over a feud stemming from Ortiz’s habit of pausing to admire his home run shots, which led to an irked Price calling the Red Sox designated hitter out publicly for acting as if he’s bigger than the game. In case his words weren’t leaving enough of an impression, Price sent a message by plunking Big Papi the next time they squared off, resulting in an enraged Ortiz declaring “war” on his division rival.

Needless to say there was no love lost between these two proud veterans over the years, but it seems both are willing to leave their issues in the past now that they wear the same uniform. Ortiz wasted no time seeking out Price on his first day in Fort Myers to deliver a new message.

“I got your back,” Ortiz assures the new ace of the Red Sox in video posted to the team’s Twitter page.

After years of facing each other as enemies, the two Davids greeted each other as if they were the oldest of friends.

Both players have taken the high road when pressed on the topic of how they would relate as teammates to a former rival, but this is the first time we are seeing the two of them come face-to-face since Price signed with the Red Sox.

Ortiz enters the final season of his storied career looking to ride off into the sunset with another championship parade. In order to achieve that he’ll need the support of a much stronger pitching staff than what the last place Red Sox had a year ago, so he’s smart enough to realize that this team needs Price. Regardless of their past history as rivals, his only concern is what they can accomplish together as teammates in the present.

As for Price, $217 million is enough to convince him to get along with just about anyone. He has a reputation for being a positive clubhouse presence that is beloved by teammates, so it’s no surprise to see him make the most of the situation.

Next: Problem is not with Sandoval's weight

Besides, maybe Price won’t mind Ortiz’s home run habits as much now that they are on the same side.