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Red Sox: 5 questions to follow this season

By Jake Perelmuter

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the national anthem before game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the national anthem before game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

For many Red Sox fans, including myself, David Ortiz is a hero. He won three World Series for the Sox, made the All-Star game 10 times, and came to embody the city of Boston, helping to unite the city after the Marathon Bombings in 2013 with an impassioned speech.

His loss carries both statistical and intangible implications. On the field, Big Papi was one of the best players in the MLB right up until his retirement. In 2016, Ortiz led the team in home runs (38), runs batted in (127), on-base plus slugging (1.021), and finished third in batting average (all at age 40, nonetheless). These numbers will be difficult – if not impossible – to replace. Sluggers like Hanley Ramirez and Mookie Betts will be looked at to fill Papi’s power void.

Off the field, however, Papi’s loss might be felt even more. David Ortiz was the face of the Red Sox, and one of the faces of the MLB from his magical postseason run in 2004 until his retirement. He was more than just a player, he was an icon. The de facto captain of the team as well, his leadership will not be easy to replace. That duty will fall to Dustin Pedroia.

Fans and players alike will miss Big Papi. There’s no doubt it will be weird seeing a Red Sox team without Ortiz on the roster – I was three years old the last time that was the case. Ortiz is irreplaceable, but to what extent will his loss affect the team’s on-field performance?

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