"40 in 40" - Ortiz, David

by BobZupcic on Jan 13, 2011 6:49 PM EST

David Ortiz - #34 (DH)

Bats: Left, Throws: Left

Age: 35, Size: 6'4" 230 lbs

Acquired: Signed as a FA in January of 2003 (after being released by the Twins)

Contract: $12,500,000 (FA-2012)

Comments: "Big Papi" came over from the Twins organization in 2003 after being released. This would prove to be one of the most careless out-right releases of all-time because Ortiz became an instant hit in Boston and teamed with Manny Ramirez to form the most explosive 3-4 punch of the 2000s. Ortiz burst onto the scene right from the get go, posting a 0.961 in his first season with the Sox. He was instrsumental in the Sox 2004 World Series season with his 0.983 OPS and penchant for the "big hit". From 2005-2007 he managed three 1.000+ OPS seasons and led the league in HR, RBI and BB in 2006 witth 54/137/119. Things started to go downhill slighlty for Papi in 2008 as managed only 491 PAs and an un-Papi-like 0.877 OPS thanks in large part to a nagging wrist injury. Ortiz's 2009 was a season to forget as he sunk to a career low 0.794 OPS despite playing in 150 games. Papi looked lost at the plate and numerous Sox fans found themselves in the "Papi's done" camp to start 2010. That contingent looked like they were right-on as Ortiz stumbled out of the gate with a 0.524 OPS for April. Tito stuck with the big fella and it paid off. Ortiz righted the ship somehow and surged back into recognition (10 HR, 1.211 May) to finish with respectable power numbers and a 0.899 More "Ortiz-like" OPS.

Career Stats:

PA: 6661

BA: 0.281

OBP: 0.376

SLG: 0.543

OPS: 0.919

wOBA: 0.388

wRC+: 136

HR/SB: 349/10

WAR: 35.6

Unique Stats/Facts: Ortiz's 2007 was pretty darn awesome. Despite only hitting 35 HR, Ortiz was a very close second in the majors to A-Rod with a 0.448 wOBA/176 wRC+. He also managed a 6.7 WAR from the DH position - ranking him 10th in the majors. Ortiz ran a string of 5 consecutive years 2003-2007 finishing in the top 5 for the AL MVP Award. Papi posted some nice ISO stats in his peak years (.304, 0.302, .304, 0.349) - for comparison, Adam Dunn has only eclipsed 0.300 once in his career

Analysis: Big Papi was brought back for one more hurrah in 2011. This is in large part to his resurgence in 2010 but in some small part it also has to do to what he brings to the team in intangibles. Ortiz was the face of the franchise in the 2000's. He has a big personality and Sox fans love him for it. Let's hope he goes out with another Ortiz-type season then hangs them up as a Red Sox.

Projections (James): .261/.366/0.509 - 0.380 wOBA with 33 HR, 112 RBI

Tomorrow: Dustin Pedroia

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Comments

Monster Bros.?

There might be a fun yet intense competition among Papi, Agon and Youk as they feed off each other for OBP, grinding AB’s, HR and doubles. If JD hits behind Papi, and gets caught up in fhe momentum, this could become a big-4 brotherhood.

I think the projections of Bill James and others could be VERY conservative with this bunch.

by GerryT on Jan 14, 2011 11:04 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I'd prefer Super Smash Bros.

Because it implies a cackling David and crying pitchers for the other team.

I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation

by TheLoneDavid on Jan 14, 2011 11:24 AM EST up reply actions

Show me your moves!

Paaaaaaapiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii PAUNNNNCHHHH

by Tarrsk on Jan 14, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

Hard to believe the Twins dropped him

since he did show some good power in limited AB’s. I also remember he had to compete for 1B with Jeremy Giambi……Im so glad he got hurt that year.

by Jason A on Jan 14, 2011 11:30 AM EST reply actions

that Giambi got hurt that year

by Jason A on Jan 14, 2011 11:31 AM EST up reply actions

What do you think is Papi's status with the team going forward?

We all know he’s a FA after this year. Do you see the Sox maybe resigning him if he has another productive season? Would you rather see him replaced by a rotation of other guys that can field a position, so the DH spot becomes more of a “day off” for our position players?

by Schulz on Jan 14, 2011 11:46 AM EST reply actions

Depends on a few factors

1. Does Lowrie kick a$$, if he does he could man 3rd and Youk/Agone can man DH.
2. If he posts another 2010, how much money will he be looking for. The price on aging productive DH’s has dropped dramatically
3. What else is out there on the market.

by Jason A on Jan 14, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

4. What does Hoyer want for Headley

I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation

by TheLoneDavid on Jan 14, 2011 8:05 PM EST up reply actions

Lowrie is much more valuable at SS than at 3rd.

I know that there are concerns with Youk’s defense at third in a couple of years, but if Lowrie can play an average SS and hit halfway to his potential, then he’s going to be a hugely valuable SS, and would be giving up a significant amount of value by moving to third.

by ThePanda on Jan 15, 2011 12:35 AM EST up reply actions

It seems unlikely that Ortiz will be resigned for 2012

The Red Sox will be looking to get more right-handed next year, and DH is the most obvious spot to do so, as we’re probably replacing Drew with the similarly left-handed Kalish. I’ll be sad to see Papi go, but there’s really no justifiable reason to pay any DH more than $10 million a year at this point, much less one in his decline years who won’t be a good fit for the lineup.

by Tarrsk on Jan 14, 2011 2:05 PM EST up reply actions