Blogs

David Ortiz

Designated Hitter
Position
DH
Bats
L
Throws
L

Contract: Signed through 2010 with a club option for 2011.

  • Height: 6-4
  • Weight: 230 lbs
  • Born: Nov 18, 1975

  • Debut: September 2, 1997

SEASON

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Newsbreakers

November 3, 2009

David Ortiz claimed on Tuesday to have "another three or four good years in me," according to the Boston Herald.

Our View:

He will be in the final year of four-year contract next season, and looking for a new deal at the age of 35. He has said he wants to end his career in Boston. Looking at his .238 average from last season, he may have already. It's impossible to believe he will have another 28 homer, 99 RBI campaign in 2010 if he doesn't get his average back near his career level of .282.

October 18, 2009

In an effort to stave off another epic, season-beginning slump, David Ortiz has pledged to get into better shape this offseason, according to the Boston Herald.

Our View:

He is going to spend a good chunk of his offseason at Athletes' Performance in Tempe, Arizona. It could enhance his early season performance in 2010, but maybe not as much as some of his past methods.

October 11, 2009

David Ortiz finished the ALDS 1-for-12 with four strikeouts as the Red Sox got swept by the Angels.

Our View:

After a wretched start to the season, Ortiz got things going in the second half to put up somewhat respectable numbers. However, he was awful in the postseason.

October 2, 2009

David Ortiz is out of Friday's lineup against Cleveland, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View:

Ortiz is not nursing an injury, and skipper Terry Francona decided to just give him a day off, namely against opposing lefty Jeremy Sowers. Mike Lowell will serve in the DH role.

September 25, 2009

David Ortiz went 1-for-4 with three RBI in tonight's 9-5 loss at rival New York. He hit a two-run homer off Joba Chamberlain.

Our View:

Ortiz is hot in the power department, as he crushed a homer in each of his last three games. He has 27 homers for 2009.

September 24, 2009

David Ortiz had a huge night for the Red Sox on Thursday in his team's 10-3 win over the Royals. Ortiz went 3-for-5 with a double, a homer, a run scored, and three RBI.

Our View:

Big Papi has homred in consecutive games, and it looks like he is heating up at the right time. He has seven RBI in the last two games, and production from Ortiz makes the Sox even more formidible as the postseason approaches.

September 23, 2009

David Ortiz went 2-for-4 with four RBI in tonight's 9-2 win at Kansas City. He hit a single and a three-run homer off Carlos Rosa.

Our View:

Big Papi launched his third homer of September, and his 25th of 2009. He tied his single-game high with four RBI, the last time coming on July 8 against Oakland.

September 15, 2009

David Ortiz led the Sox offensively in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Angels at Fenway Park, as he went 2-for-4 with two RBI. He hit a single and a solo homer off Jose Arredondo.

Our View:

Ortiz hit his second homer of September and his 24th of 2009, topping his season total from 2008.

September 13, 2009

David Ortiz is not in the Red Sox's lineup for Suday afternoon, according to the Twitter page of beat writer Amalie Benjamin. Jason Bay will serve as the team's DH, while Josh Reddick takes over in left field.

Our View:

Big Papi has been gettingsome regular time off over the last month or so, and today is no different. He should return for the team's next game, but he will observe from the dugout today.

September 7, 2009

David Ortiz is getting Labor Day off for the Red Sox. Ortiz will sit while Victor Martinez takes over as the DH against the White Sox.

Our View:

Ortiz will be observing the holiday just like most of the nation today, by getting the day off. Big Papi has been much better in the second half this season, but he is still far from the player he used to be.

August 26, 2009

David Ortiz went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo homers in tonight's 3-2 win over Chicago at Fenway Park. His first shot came off Gavin Floyd, and the second was a walk-off homer off Tony Pena.

Our View:

Big Papi now has seven homers this month, and 22 for 2009. He is hitting .212 in August, but at least he is still generating power for fantasy owners.

August 22, 2009

David Ortiz went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored, and three RBI in the Red Sox's blowout win over the Yankees on Saturday.

Our View:

Big Papi has started to utilize the long ball as of late, but he is still struggling mightily at the plate. His fantasy stock has plummeted this season, but if he keeps hitting for power he can help fantasy squads.

August 19, 2009

According to Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman, the Red Sox are "concerned" about the slumping, and recently outed steroid user, David Ortiz.

Our View:

Well, to put it crudely and bluntly, duh. Big Papi has been more like "the Big Pop-Up" or "Big Called Looking" lately, as he's hit .182 with just eight RBI this month. He has homered in his last two games, but he has had many other false starts out of slumps this season. If the Sox want to have any chance of making it back to the playoffs, they desperately need Ortiz to not look like the hollowed-out shell he has to this point.

August 16, 2009

David Ortiz hit his 17th homer and drew a pair of walks in Boston's 4-3 loss to the Rangers on Sunday. His homer, a solo shot, came in the second inning.

Our View:

The 17 homers, while still disappointing, is much improved from where Ortiz was a couple months ago. Still, the .221 batting average is tough to swallow.

August 14, 2009

David Ortiz went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored in tonight's 8-4 win at Texas. He hit a single and a two-run homer off Eddie Guardado.

Our View:

Ortiz ended an 11-game drought without a homer, and has 16 for the season. He was in need of a solid performance as he held an anemic .114 average over 44 at-bats this month heading into tonight's game.

August 8, 2009

David Ortiz told the media at his press conference on Saturday that he was careless when buying over-the-counter supplements but that he never purchased or used steroids.

Our View:

Ortiz was apologetic when talking about the positive test today, but he was pretty clear in his assertion that he has never used steroids. It is hard to tell these days who is lying and who is telling the truth, but it is almost a sure thing that more news will come out on this issue.

August 5, 2009

David Ortiz will ride the pine for tonight's game at Tampa Bay, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View:

Big Papi is not injured, but skipper Terry Francona is holding him out against opposing lefty David Price. Mike Lowell will serve as Boston's DH in his place.

July 30, 2009

David Ortiz is in the news again on Thursday, but this time it is for his performance on the field. Ortiz went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, two runs scored, and three RBI in the Red Sox' 8-5 win over the A's.

Our View:

This has been a roller-coaster day for Ortiz, and after the news of his positive drug test in 2003, he came out and hit a three-run homer in the seventh to put the Sox up for good. Things aren't going to be getting easier for Big Papi in the coming days, but for now it looks like the news is not affecting him.

July 30, 2009

David Ortiz, along with former teammate Manny Ramirez, has been revealed as one of the 103 players to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball's 2003 testing, according to The New York Times.

Our View:

While we can't say this is at all shocking, it's still sad to know for sure that another one of the 2000s' giants of the game is a chemically enhanced one. Especially since in February he said he believed that players who tested positive for steroids should be suspended for an entire season. Odd hypocrisy from an apparent cheater. As for Ortiz now, maybe it wasn't his eyes that were bothering him after all this season.

July 29, 2009

According to WEEI.com, David Ortiz isn't expected to be in Boston's starting lineup on Wednesday.

Our View:

Ortiz left Tuesday's game early to be with his daughter in the hospital, but he was apparently slated to sit this game out anyway with lefty Brett Anderson on the mound. Adam LaRoche will play first, Kevin Youkilis will man the hot corner and Mike Lowell will take over DHing duties for the night. Be sure to adjust your lineups accordingly.

July 22, 2009

David Ortiz went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in tonight's 3-1 loss at Texas.

Our View:

The Sox only mustered six hits in the game, and stranded 14 runners on base. Ortiz has a hit in four straight contests, but has gone seven games without a homer.

July 19, 2009

David Ortiz drove in the lone Boston run on Sunday, as Roy Halladay baffled the Red Sox en route to his 11th victory.

Our View:

Ortiz is now up to 50 RBI on the season, but is still batting just .224. Still, his consistent power production since overcoming his awful start is a good sign going forward into the second half. He should be owned in every format.

July 17, 2009

David Ortiz went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in the Red Sox' 3-1 win over the Blue Jays on Friday. Ortiz is now hitting .226 on the season.

Our View:

Papi is still far from being a dominant fantasy force like he used to be, but at least now he is starting to contribute a bit. He is still a risky mixed league play, but AL-only owners could probably use him.

July 9, 2009

David Ortiz went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer off Luke Hochevar in tonight's 8-6 loss to the Royals at Fenway Park.

Our View:

Ortiz hit a homer in three of his last five games, and tonight's home run was the 300th of his career. He should remain a solid source for power as long as he stays healthy.

July 8, 2009

David Ortiz went deep for the tenth time this season in Boston's 5-4 win over the A's on Wednesday. It was his only hit in four trips, but he finished with four RBI.

Our View:

Big Papi has now homered nine times since June 6th, after hitting just one up to that point. His RBI total climbed to 42, but he's still a fantasy disappointment with his .223 average.

July 5, 2009

David Ortiz went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 8-4 win over the Mariners at Fenway Park. He hit a single and a solo homer off Brandon Morrow.

Our View:

Ortiz snapped a seven-game skid without a homer, and collected his ninth of the season. He was a good source for power in June with seven homers over 75 at-bats. He batted .320 last month as well.

July 4, 2009

David Ortiz is not in the Red Sox lineup for their Saturday afternoon game against the Mariners. He is being replaced by Rocco Baldelli as the DH.

Our View:

With the team facing a lefty today, manager Terry Francona decided to give Papi a day off. He is expected to return to the lineup tomorrow, but check back just to make sure.

June 26, 2009

David Ortiz went 1-for-3 with a solo homer off Jair Jurrjens in tonight's 4-1 win at Atlanta.

Our View:

Ortiz continues his power surge, as he crushed a homer in three of his last four games, and has seven this month. He has six RBI over his last five outings as well.

June 25, 2009

David Ortiz is slated to cover first base and bat cleanup in tonight's game at Washington, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View:

Skipper Terry Francona is holding Kevin Youkilis out to rest. Ortiz has been too hot to ride the pine as well, with homers in each of his last two games and six in June.

June 24, 2009

David Ortiz carried the Red Sox offensively in Wednesday's 6-4 win at Washington, as he went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. He hit a single and a three-run homer off Craig Stammen.

Our View:

Ortiz continues to enjoy a power surge, as he crushed his sixth homer in June, with one coming in each of his last two games. He only hit one homer over the first two months of the season in April and May.

June 23, 2009

The Boston Globe is reporting that David Ortiz is not in the Red Sox' lineup for Tuesday night's game against the Nationals. With no DH in the NL park, the Sox are forced to play without him tonight.

Our View:

Ortiz will probable see some time at first while in NL parks, but with the lefty John Lannan on the hill tonight the team decided to give him the night off. Ortiz is finally starting to hit the ball, but anyone who owns him should find another option tonight.

June 21, 2009

David Ortiz may be starting to put some semblance of a season together. He hit his sixth home run of the season on Sunday in a 2-for-4 effort as Boston nipped the Braves 6-5.

Our View:

Papi's struggles have been well documented this season, so we won't delve too deep here. But after a miserable start he has been showing signs of life. He now has five homers since June 6th, which is a vast improvement over the lone shot he had up until that point this season.

June 17, 2009

David Ortiz stayed productive in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Marlins. He was 1-for-2 with a double, two walks and three runs scored.

Our View:

Perhaps those eye drops are making the difference for Ortiz. He has seven walks against two strike outs in his last seven games. It appears he is back on his way to being a productive fantasy DH.

June 16, 2009

David Ortiz went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and three RBI in Tuesday's 8-2 win over Florida at Fenway Park. His other knock was a single.

Our View:

Big Papi continues to enjoy a power surge, as he collected his fourth homer of June. He only hit one homer over the first two months of the season.

June 12, 2009

The Boston Globe is reporting that David Ortiz is in the lineup and playing first base for the Red Sox' series opener at Philadelphia. Ortiz will hit fifth, and Kevin Youkilis will move to third to give Mike Lowell the night off.

Our View:

Now that Papi is showing some signs of life at the plate, the Red Sox can't afford to take him out. With that being said, they now have to suffer with him defensively at first. It will be interesting to see how the Sox handle Ortiz in National League parks, but don't be shocked if he sits more than he plays.

June 11, 2009

David Ortiz helped lead the charge in Thursday's 4-3 win over the rival Yankees at Fenway Park, as he went 2-for-3 with a solo homer off ace CC Sabathia. His other knock was a single.

Our View:

Ortiz continues to enjoy a power surge, as he has three homers over his last five games. He only had one homer over the first two months of the season, and is finally fit for fantasy duty.

June 10, 2009

David Ortiz might not play first base during the Red Sox interleague play games against the Phillies this weekend according to the Boston Globe.

Our View:

Manager Terry Francona said Ortiz might start one game if the Red Sox decide to spell Mike Lowell and move Kevin Youkilis to third, but that otherwise Ortiz will be out. This is inopportune timing for Ortiz and his fantasy owners as the lovable slugger appears to finally be emerging from a protracted slump.

June 9, 2009

David Ortiz went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer off A.J. Burnett in Tuesday's 7-0 win over the rival Yankees at Fenway Park.

Our View:

Ortiz is finally generating power as he hit his second homer over his last three games tonight. He is also riding a seven-game hitting streak, and Big Papi is once again worthy of fantasy lineups.

June 8, 2009

According to the Boston Globe, Red Sox' slugger David Ortiz underwent an eye test on Monday. His vision was said to have checked out well, and he was given eye drops for dry eyes.

Our View:

As expected, Ortiz has no problems with his eyesight, but the dry eyes issue could be real. Ortiz said he has been blinking more in the batter's box due to the dryness, so maybe this will help. We seriously doubt that dry eyes is the entire cause of the debacle that is his 2009 season.

June 6, 2009

David Ortiz had a big night at the plate on Saturday in the Red Sox' 8-1 win over the Rangers. Ortiz went 2-for-3 with a home run, a run, and an RBI.

Our View:

Nice to see Ortiz go deep, but he still only has two homers on the year and is hitting an abysmal .196. Until he shows he can hit with power consistently, fantasy owners should stay away.

June 6, 2009

According to FOX Sports, slumping Red Sox slugger David Ortiz will consult an eye doctor on Monday.

Our View:

Ortiz is apparently having vision problems at the plate, which could be the explanation for his dreadful start to the 2009 season. Ortiz has had "dry eyes" this season, causing him to blink repeatedly during at-bats. The condition has apparently plagued him since the offseason. Hopefully a visit to the eye doc will correct the problem and get him back on track.

June 5, 2009

David Ortiz went 1-for-4 with a single and recorded Boston's lone RBI in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Rangers at Fenway Park.

Our View:

Boston only had seven hits in the loss. That was only Ortiz's 21st RBI of the season.

June 4, 2009

The Boston Globe is reporting that David Ortiz is planning on having his eyes checked. "There have been some situations that something has happened to my eyes, my vision. But I'm planning on getting my eyes checked out sometime soon. I don't know. It's just sometimes that I've been feeling lately. It's not anything crazy, but just to make sure."

Our View:

Ortiz went on to say that the players get their eyes checked every year and that he has 20-20 vision, so don't expect any changes coming due to his eyesight. Ortiz is trying to do anything to break out of his slump, so who knows, maybe this will work.

June 3, 2009

David Ortiz went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts in the Red Sox 5-1 win over Detroit on Tuesday. After starting the season with a 39 game homerless streak, he has now gone 11 games since his first and only home run.

Our View:

It continues to be ugly for Big Papi owners even after the Red Sox dropped the slugger to sixth in the batting order. With his pedigree, it is hard to believe he won't turn it around to at least some degree, but if you can unload Ortiz for any kind of quality in return, you might be well served to do so.

May 28, 2009

David Ortiz has been dropped to sixth in the batting order for today's game at Minnesota, according to the Boston Globe. He will hit between Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek.

Our View:

Ortiz is gravely struggling with a .193 batting average, and only has one hit over his last 19 at-bats, with nine strikeouts over the span. Perhaps dropping him in the order will put less pressure on him to produce.

May 26, 2009

David Ortiz is expected to return to the lineup tonight at Minnesota after being held out Monday, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View:

It is uncertain where he will hit in the batting order. He is struggling with a dismal .195 average over 40 games, with 41 strikeouts. He only launched one homer so far as well. That is the reason he rode the pine yesterday.

May 25, 2009

Updating an earlier report, David Ortiz is not in today's lineup at Minnesota, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View:

Mike Lowell is penciled into the DH role with Kevin Youkilis at third and Jeff Bailey at first. Ortiz is riding the pine as he has been gravely struggling at the plate.

May 25, 2009

David Ortiz may be dropped in the batting order as he continues to struggle at the plate, according to the Boston Globe. Hitting coach Dave Magadan said (regarding dropping Ortiz in the lineup), "I think that is something we are going to discuss. We will probably talk about it on the flight to Minnesota. We want to do what is best not only for David, but what is best for the team."

Our View:

Ortiz remains upbeat, and noted that he feels good at the plate. Perhaps moving him down will allow him to break out of his slump while putting less pressure on him to produce. He has struck out 41 times over 40 games, with a dismal .195 batting average.

May 22, 2009

David Ortiz was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Boston's 5-3 loss to the visiting Mets on Friday.

Our View:

Since Big Papi was given the weekend off to reflect on his struggles, he has gone 3-for-16 with seven strikeouts. Yes, he did manage to hit a home run, but his glaring struggles continue.

May 20, 2009

David Ortiz finally went deep for the first time this season in the Red Sox 8-3 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday. Ortiz was 2-for-5 on the night with two RBI and a run scored.

Our View:

All we can say is, it's about time. Ortiz has not been good this season, but it is good that he finally got the home run monkey off his back. Hopefully this gets him going, but don't count on it. He is still a risky fantasy play at best.

May 19, 2009

David Ortiz is penciled into tonight's lineup against Toronto at Fenway Park, according to the Boston Globe. Big Papi will bat third in the order.

Our View:

He returns following a weekend of rest. The Sox are hoping he will find his swing as he has been struggling with a .208 average over 130 at-bats, with no homers and 30 strikeouts.

May 17, 2009

The Providence Journal reports that Red Sox manager Terry Francona is not committed to returning "slugger" David Ortiz to the third spot in the order. Ortiz was given the weekend off to try and get out of his season-long slump.

Our View:

Hallelujah! With five potential No. 3 hitters in the lineup, there's no reason to have a .208 batting average in the three-hole. Especially one who is slugging all of .300. We like to think that the weekend off will help Ortiz's bat wake up. Hopefully he hit the weight room.

May 16, 2009

According to the Boston Herald, struggling DH David Ortiz will remain on the bench until Tuesday to try and work his way out of a massive slump that has steamrolled into a terrible start to the season overall. The team wants to give him a mental break for a few days.

Our View:

Ortiz has just looked lost this season and has infuriated many a fantasy owner, who likely paid a pretty penny for him in their draft. The Sox realize he's not right, so hopefully this mental break does the trick and he gets back on track. But there is the other side of the coin that, at 33, he may just be done. He is coming off of an 0-for-7 game where he stranded 12 runners, and has yet to homer this season. If you believe he has something left in the tank it's a great time to buy low.

May 15, 2009

The Boston Globe is reporting that David Ortiz is not in the Red Sox' lineup on Friday. He will be replaced by Rocco Baldelli as the team's DH in the game.

Our View:

As bad as Ortiz was last night, it is probably a good thing that he is out tonight. He still hasn't hit a home run this season, and with his only fantasy eligibility being at DH in most leagues it is probably a good idea to keep him on the bench for now.

May 14, 2009

David Ortiz reported no issues with his previously ailing left wrist during or after Wednesday's game against the Angels, according to the Boston Globe. He went 1-for-4 at the plate.

Our View:

This is good news, but Ortiz is still yet to hit his first homer of 2009, and carries an anemic .225 batting average.

May 13, 2009

David Ortiz was struck on the wrist by a pitch in Tuesday's battle with the Angels, but does not expect to miss any time, according to the Providence Journal. He said, "It will be fine. It feels fine now. You never know –– sometimes you wake up sore. But it is fine now."

Our View:

This is encouraging, but Ortiz is not helping fantasy clubs right now, with no homers and a dismal .225 average over 102 at-bats.

May 9, 2009

David Ortiz returned to the lineup Friday against the Rays after being scratched Thursday with a stiff neck, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View:

Ortiz went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, and his season average dropped to .225. He is yet to launch his first homer of the season, and has struck out 24 times over 102 at-bats. He remains an unstable fantasy option among designated hitters.

May 8, 2009

David Ortiz was scratched from Thursday's lineup with a stiff neck, but he is expected to be fine, according to the Boston Globe. Manager Terry Franconca said, "I think David will be OK. He looked a little better after the game."

Our View:

Francona is hopeful that Big Papi could play tonight against the AL East rival Rays. Ortiz is off to a dismal start with no homers and a .225 average over 102 at-bats though.

May 7, 2009

The Providence Journal reports that David Ortiz was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to a stiff neck. Julio Lugo will be the DH.

Our View:

Ortiz has struggled all season long and has yet to hit a home run in 105 at bats. His swing seems to have been zapped of its power ever since long-time teammate and friend Manny Ramirez was dealt to the Dodgers.

April 22, 2009

David Ortiz had a double and two RBI on Wednesday in the Red Sox' 7-3 win over the Twins in the second game of their doubleheader. Ortiz bumped his average up to .220 with the hit.

Our View:

Ortiz is showing signs of breaking out of his slump, and his double tonight is evidence of that. He was still only 1-for-4, but there is no place to go but up for Big Papi at this point.

April 20, 2009

David Ortiz had a triple and a double on Monday in the Red Sox 12-1 win over Baltimore. Ortiz added a run and two RBI, while raising his average to .196.

Our View:

Today was a good day for Big Papi, not just because he is almost hitting .200, but because he drove the ball the other way with power, something he has failed to do up until today. Hopefully for Ortiz owners this is a sign of good things ahead. Wait and see for now, and if you have another option at the utility position you should go with it until Papi heats up.

April 19, 2009

David Ortiz continued to struggle on Sunday, going 0-for-4 against Baltimore and dropping his average to .170.

Our View:

You have to wonder how much longer the Red Sox will allow a struggling Big Papi to man up the three-spot in their lineup when they have a guy like Jason Bay batting sixth. While there's certainly no way you should drop Ortiz, you may want to think about benching him at this point until he regains his form.

April 16, 2009

David Ortiz is having trouble with above average fastballs, according to FoxSports. The DH is hitting only .176/.293/.206 through nine games this season.

Our View:

Ortiz's numbers have been in decline for the past two seasons, and it shouldn't be a surprise to see that trend continue. He remains the club's cleanup option for now, but he could be dropped in the order if his struggles continue.

April 6, 2009

David Ortiz feels healthy and is swinging freely again, and without fear that the pain and clicking will return on a check or awkward swing, according to the Boston Globe. He said, "I know how to hit. I hit before. That is something you do not forget. It is a totally different situation when you go to the plate thinking about if this swing, if I swing right now my hand is going to hurt. It is too much thinking. Just go out there and see the ball and hit it."

Our View:

Ortiz was limited to 23 homers over 109 games due to a wrist injury last season, but should bounce back in 2009 as the top power source in Boston's lineup. Ortiz hit 177 homers from 2004-07.

March 28, 2009

David Ortiz went 1-for-3 with a home run in Boston's 9-4 spring training win over Minnesota.

Our View:

Big Papi is 3-for-7 over his last two games and is hitting .313 this spring. He still makes for an excellent fantasy option, if you can handle the fact that he is merely a DH.

March 27, 2009

David Ortiz was 2-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 11-8 win over the Cardinals. He's hitting .310 this spring.

Our View:

It looks like the days of 40 homers and a .330 average are behind Ortiz, but he still has some pop in his bat. He's the top DH out there, but unfortunately that's all he qualifies for.

March 17, 2009

David Ortiz went 2-for-3 with three RBI in Tuesday's 9-5 win over Minnesota in the Grapefruit League. He hit a single and a two-run homer, his second of the spring.

Our View:

Ortiz looks to be healthy, and should be fine to target as a No. 1 designated hitter in fantasy drafts.

March 13, 2009

David Ortiz clubbed his first spring home run Friday night against Yankee starter Chien-Ming Wang. He finished Boston's 8-4 win 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Our View:

Big Papi was the catalyst for the Boston offense Friday night, as his two-run blast set the tone for a seven-run second inning.

March 11, 2009

David Ortiz covered first base for the Dominican Repulic in the World Baseball Classic battle with the Netherlands one day after telling Newsday that he is not a first baseman, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View:

Skipper Terry Francona reiterated that Big Papi's health is not a concern despite dealing with some soreness in his left shoulder when he throws. Ortiz looks to be fine to draft as the No. 1 fantasy DH for 2009.

March 8, 2009

Skipper Terry Francona indicated that David Ortiz is feeling fine despite a contrary report on ESPN Deportes speculating that Ortiz was suffering from muscle tightness, according to the Providence Journal.

Our View:

The Red Sox are not concerned with Big Papi, and he should be fine to target as the No. 1 designated hitter in fantasy drafts.

March 7, 2009

David Ortiz was unable to play first base for the Dominican Repbulic in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday due to a sore left shoulder, according to ESPN.

Our View:

Ortiz didn't play in the field at all with the Red Sox last season and it's doubtful he would this season. Keep an eye on his performance during the WBC to see if the injury has any effect on his production.

February 21, 2009

After missing a couple of days due to a sore left shoulder, David Ortiz returned to the field on Saturday, according to the Boston Globe. He took batting practice and caught some balls at first base.

Our View:

The DH should be healthy come the regular season, but there's always a chance that the shoulder nags him for a longer period of time. Hopefully, it's nothing too serious. Regardless, Ortiz's power numbers have been fading for the past couple of seasons, so take that into account if you're considering him at the draft table.

February 20, 2009

David Ortiz missed his second straight day of camp Friday due to soreness in his left shoulder, according to ESPN.

Our View:

He is feeling better today, and manager Terry Francona noted that he is merely feeling the effects from throwing during fielding practice earlier in the week. The team is not concerned and Ortiz expects to return to full activity over the weekend.

February 20, 2009

David Ortiz sat out of camp Thursday due to sleeping on his shoulder the wrong way, according to the Boston Globe. Skipper Terry Francona said, "I think he could have been out here yesterday. He is a designated hitter. He does not have a whole lot to do with our pickoffs and things like that. I do not think on Feb. 19 it is real pivotal. I thought he could get more out of staying inside."

Our View:

He is expected to return to camp today, and should be fine. He should be the first DH taken off the board in fantasy drafts for 2009.

February 16, 2009

ESPN.com reports that David Ortiz is in favor of harsher steroid testing policies and suspensions. The slugger says that the testing should not be a random selection of players, but that every player should get tested multiple times throughout the season. He also feels that violators should miss an entire season for a first-time offense as opposed to a 50-game suspension.

Our View:

From 1997 to 2002, Ortiz hit one home run per 25.5 at-bats. From 2003-2006, he managed a home run for every 12.7 at-bats. In the two seasons since, a dinger has come every 16.6 at-bats. The 33-year-old hopes to prove that his wrist injury from 2008 will not linger this season, but there is certainly a lot of risk tied to him. That, and his power surge from 2003-2006 appears to be a thing of the past.

February 13, 2009

Manager Terry Francona has not seen David Ortiz since late December, but the reports on his conditioning and health have been good, according to the Boston Globe. Francona said, "Some guys have laid some eyes on him in the Dominican, and he looks tremendous. I am excited to see David because that would be great news for us."

Our View:

This is encouraging regarding his recovery from a wrist injury. He should be safe to draft as the No. 1 designated hitter in fantasy leagues.

January 15, 2009

The AP reports that David Ortiz still intends to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. He is hoping his injured wrist is 100 percent in time for the tournament. "I have been swinging some and my injured wrist has not bothered me since last year,” he told The Associated Press by e-mail Thursday. “Just as I promised, if I’m healthy, I will join the team.”

Our View:

The Red Sox and fantasy owners would probably rather see him skip the event. His numbers were down last season, primarily due to just 109 games played. Keep an eye on his performance and his spring training to see if there are any signs that the wrist is still a problem.

January 12, 2009

Jim Rice was elected into the MLB Hall of Fame on Monday, according to the Associated Press. It was Rice's 15th year on the ballot and he would've had to get in through the veterans committee if he failed to make it this year. He got 76.2 percent of the vote, while needing 75 percent in order to get in.

Our View:

Rice was one of the most dominant players of his era, batting .298 with 382 home runs and 1,451 RBI during his 16 years, all of which were with the Red Sox. He also won the 1978 AL MVP and played in eight all-star games.

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