Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz does the unthinkable, picks Yankees
Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz seems to have lost his sense of loyalty by making an American League East prediction that will make Red Sox Nation frown.
Three-time World Series champion David Ortiz has spent much of his career taking it to the New York Yankees. Now retired, the former Boston Red Sox slugger is thinking with his baseball mind and not his heart.
Speaking to Boston.com, the 42-year-old Ortiz reflected on Opening Day and not being a part of it anymore. He talked about the nostalgia of starting a new MLB season and the tradition that goes along with it. Of course, with tradition comes the classic rivalry he was a part of for so many years.
And when it comes to that rivalry, the man who continues to be in the heart of Red Sox fans threw a dart in those same hearts by projecting the Yankees as the favorite in the AL East.
"“They pretty much stacked the lineup with more power,” Ortiz told Boston.com when asked about what he expects from the team in 2018. “I don’t think anyone else in the division can compete with that.”"
While Big Papi’s loyalty is now in question (just kidding), he did acknowledge that the Yankees potential dominance with the tandem of Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge could present the kind of challenge that will be good for the Red Sox.
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After winning the division crown the last two seasons, once again battling a force that their long time heated rivals present should re-energize the determination of a team that has their own share of elite talent.
"“I think the Red Sox are the one team that, as an underdog, is going to be out there exceeding expectations more than usual,” he continued."
Enthusiastic about J.D.
David Ortiz did praise his old team’s new power bat. He complimented J.D. Martinez as the type of power hitter the team needs in the middle of the lineup to create balance.
It was added praise to what Ortiz told Omnisport about the Martinez addition earlier in the week. In fact, the future Hall of Famer said he wish he could play with the Red Sox new slugger after being around him during his visit to camp.
"“I went down to camp for four days and I watched J.D. for the first time, (and) for four straight days he hit batting practice…wow,” Ortiz said. “That was unbelievable, I mean, the way the ball comes (off) his bat is just a loud explosion, so I’m very excited about the season.”"
Next: Boston Red Sox: 5 things we love about David Ortiz
Despite picking the dreaded Yankees to win the division, it is a positive sign with all the praise David Ortiz does have for the 2018 version of the Boston Red Sox.