Ortiz agrees to extension
Even before Red Sox first baseman/designated hitter David Ortiz stepped to the podium at the .406 Club yesterday, there was a slap on the back and a "very good" from general manager Theo Epstein, who announced that Ortiz had been signed to a two-year contract extension with a club option for 2007.
"Hi guys" and a big smile was Ortiz's initial reaction to the deal. "It's a great situation, especially when you're still young [28], have a chance to play for a winning team, and to win a World Series. The fans here always wish you the best and it makes you want to do your best."
According to the Associated Press, Ortiz, who is making nearly $4.6 million this season, will earn $5.25 million next year and $6.5 million in 2006. If the option is picked up, he would receive $7.75 million in 2007, or he could be bought out for $750,000.
Ortiz's extension still leaves the Red Sox with the "Big Four" -- Pedro Martinez, Jason Varitek, Derek Lowe, and Nomar Garciaparra -- as unsigned potential free agents. It was Ortiz's good friend, Martinez, who not only urged the Red Sox to sign the former Twin prior to last season, but also advised Ortiz this week to extend his stay in Boston. And Ortiz said yesterday he feels Martinez would like to end his career in Boston.
"I do hope that David's decision also has an influence on Pedro," said Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino after yesterday's press conference. "Pedro went to bat for David and made our decision to sign him a lot easier. But also remember that David earned this."
Ortiz, who was 1 for 4 with an RBI in last night's opener of a three-game series against the Blue Jays, leads the American League in doubles (16) and extra-base hits (26) and is batting .261. "I think it's great," said manager Terry Francona. "I'm glad he's going to be here and a lot of guys feel the same way."
Signed by the Mariners in 1992 as an undrafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic, Ortiz spent four seasons in the minors. He was traded to the Twins in 1996 and played six seasons with Minnesota. Ortiz started out slowly with the Red Sox last season, but after getting a shot as a starter last May 30, he has responded with a .282 average, 44 doubles, 39 home runs, 113 RBIs, and a .606 slugging percentage in 138 games.
"I love the city. I love the fans. Being here has meant a lot to me and to my family," said Ortiz, who since signing with the Red Sox has ranked seventh in the major leagues with 98 extra-base hits, is tied for eighth with 55 doubles and 19 game-winning RBIs, and 10th with a .580 slugging percentage.
Asked to elaborate on what he loves most about his Boston tenure, Ortiz quickly replied, "The Green Monster."
Ortiz described the Red Sox as "a beautiful ball club," and said he hoped that his four unsigned teammates "take the same step." He said his career and his approach to the game have been upgraded as a member of the Red Sox and that no matter what his mood off the field, he always feels ready to play with his new team.
"But it's not all about me," he added. "We have a hell of a team and when those two guys [Garciaparra and Trot Nixon] come back, we're going to be even better. I don't know if you could call me a team leader, but I do want to be known as a guy you can count on."
Epstein said the signing of Ortiz marked the end of a "long process" and that Ortiz has definitely exceeded his expectations. "It took a couple of months for him to get his shot, but he has since become one of the elite hitters in the league," said Epstein. "He had the reputation as one of the spiritual leaders in the Minnesota clubhouse and we had hoped that would translate to ours. It has."
