Off The Press

Off the Press, a quick question:  What does iconic Red Sox slugger David 'Big Papi' Ortiz have that Tom Delay and George Bush wish they had?  Answer: Four more years!!

Quelling a budding insurgency within the ranks of Red Sox Nation, the Boston Red Sox (Theo Epstein) signed their talisman, David Ortiz, to a four year $52 million dollar contract extension. Resigning Ortiz is crucial to keeping the team in contention and Ortiz has become as valuable to the Red Sox for his metaphysical leadership qualities as much as for his bat.  In the wake of recent losses of clubhouse leaders Johnny Damon, Nomar and Pedro Martinez, the Red Sox could ill afford to lose the man the call 'Big Papi.'  Combine with the regional loss of local hero Adam Vinatieri to the hated Colts, most New Englanders slept better last night with the knowledge, Papi will be there.

MLB.com has coverage of Ortiz's press conference and Chris Snow, of the Boston Globe, writes one of the better articles, Safe, Sox lock up Ortiz's services with a four year extension, on the signing.  The MLB.com story catches Papi in full bloom, charismatic and capable of bringing the funk out of the most staid situations:

When Theo Epstein was asked Monday afternoon why now was a good time to sign David Ortiz to a four-year contract extension with an option for 2011, his slugging designated hitter came through again in the clutch.

"Because I'm hisboy," blurted Ortiz, causing everyone, including Epstein, to break out in laughter.

Not missing a beat, Epstein responded.

"He's my boy, he's made me look good. I had to give it up for him," he said.

Word!!

I stopped being a Red Sox fan when they ran Mo Vaughn out of town.  However, the new regime (Theo Epstein) has shown that they're committed to winning, and let me say this, "it makes a huge difference!" 

Stay tuned...still trying to wait for the Duke story to flesh out.

out.

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• #1 Comment from monponsett 
  5/2/06 6:34 PM | Permalink

  If Ortiz and Bush switched jobs, the Gulf War would be settled amicably... and the sox still wouldn't win the series this year.