Red Sox Nation 10/13: David Ortiz Writes Farewell Letter to Fans
Retiring Boston Red Sox David Ortiz slugger took time to address the fans. In an intimate note, he thanked Red Sox Nation.
It was a tearful goodbye for a man who did so much for the city of Boston. As David Ortiz tipped his cap after his team’s frustrating exit from the playoffs, Red Sox Nation could only applaud the man who helped end the many years of frustration in 2004.
On Wednesday, Ortiz reminded fans to always celebrate the accomplishments even when frustration threatens to drown hope. In his farewell letter posted on Twitter, he writes:
"“Well, wasn’t the way we planned it, but I wouldn’t give up this team or this season for the world.”Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) salutes the fans after the loss against the Cleveland Indians in game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports"
Although the team didn’t rise to expectations, Ortiz is leaving a team in good shape. With a core of young players, the Red Sox should be set for the future.
In retrospect, Ortiz tells pans to cherish everything they have been through together.
"“To #RedSox Nation – Never forget what we did. Do not be upset, instead smile, the future is bright with all these young studs!!! I may not be in uniform anymore, but these teams were never bout one guy…It was always about the Team. And I will ALWAYS be a part of Red Sox Nation.”"
Big Papi replacement: So who will step in and replace the offensive production left by David Ortiz? The obvious choice is a player already on the team. First baseman Hanley Ramirez had himself a heck of a year. Inspired by Ortiz, he has the offensive ability to get it done, but can he be a sustained leader?
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The Red Sox will certainly have some options externally. Current Toronto Blue Jays slugglers Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista are rumored options. Both players will enter free agency following the season. Of the two, Encarnacion seems to be the better fit. He has also expressed some interest in playing at Fenway Park.
Another AL East player is Baltimore Orioles slugger Mark Trumbo. The Red Sox could have some interest in him as well. All of those possibilities could become mute if Pablo Sandoval is able to bounce back and once again become the player he was with the San Francisco Giants.
The Ziegler: The Red Sox will have many free agent decisions entering the offseason. A few of those decisions will involve which bullpen players to bring back. Bart Ziegler is one o those players, but at the age of 37, he may exercise his options in free agency. He is looking forward to the process and perhaps find a place where he could serve as a closer.
“It’s one of 50 factors,” he said via WEEI. “If the situation’s right, it’s not mandatory. I think I’ve proven I can do it and I’d love to do it. Obviously here they have an established closer. There’s a lot of other places where they have guys established, and if they feel like I’m a better fit somewhere else in the pen and it’s a better fit overall for my family, I’m not going to be dead set on that’s what I have to do.”
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The Red Sox are currently set at the closer position with All-Star Craig Kimbrel.