Fatherly advice for Papi
Ortiz’ dad wanted no retirement talk
If it were up to Big Papi’s papi, David Ortiz wouldn’t have announced his retirement before the season began.
Americo “Leo” Enrique Ortiz has flown up from the Dominican Republic to witness the Sox’ farewell to his son, but would have counseled against the preseason proclamation that 2016 would be his final year.
“I was in the Dominican Republic when he announced here in the States but if I was here, I would have told him not to announce his retirement, just because there are so many things that can happen in a season or you might have a change of heart after the season,” Leo said prior to last night’s 4-3 loss to the Jays. “If I were here, I would have told him to kind of stay neutral so that his options were more open so I wouldn’t have told him to retire.”
Ortiz is in the midst of an MVP-caliber swan song, with 38 homers, 127 RBI and a .317 batting average. Although he would have cautioned against an early announcement, Leo understands the wear-and-tear his son has endured, and hasn’t advised a 2017 return.
“I haven’t told him anything like that about why he’s retiring because I know it’s coming from him and it’s his decision. When I look back to 2013, I remember coming here to the field and I see him with what looks like two casts on his feet. I said, what’s happening to my boy? Did he get into an accident or something?” Ortiz’ father said. “What he told me was this is how your son is making this money doing all this stuff before games. It’s not a surprise to me.”
While the Sox’ sendoff will only take place this weekend, Ortiz’ father isn’t leaving anytime soon. Leo was sporting David’s 2007 World Series ring in the clubhouse, and believes there is another on the way.
“I’m going to be here until the World Series because we’re going to win that too,” the elder Ortiz said.
Waiting game
Whether he’s John Farrell’s Game 3 or Game 4 starter, Clay Buchholz will have quite a wait.
Buchholz’ last outing was a one-hit gem against the Yankees on Sept. 28. Game 3 of the ALDS is 11 days later, on Oct. 9.
Fortunately for the Sox, Buchholz’ routine has been anything but conventional this season. He’s been a starter, long reliever, neglected reliever, eighthinning guy and a starter again. Whenever it is, Buchholz believes he’ll be up to the task.
“It’s just a matter of staying fresh and staying on top of the things that you were working on. I think it definitely can help you getting some rest and letting your arm rest a little bit,” Buchholz said. “But if you’re not careful you can get a little rusty. If you can stay away from that, yeah I think it’ll be good.”
Farrell said there will be likely be some rust prevention in the form of live batting practice.
“We would probably put together some sort of simulated activity here during the workouts to make sure he does see hitters and at least gets ramped up close to game speed,” Farrell said. “We’ve got ways to bridge the gap of days of rest.”
Set for Miller time
Against the Indians, Farrell is expecting to see a healthy dose of one of his former pitchers out of the bullpen.
“The highest leverage inning, we know that Andrew Miller is going to be in there, regardless of whether it’s left-handers or right-handers,” Farrell said. “One of the top three or four relievers in all the game, the way the last couple years have played out for him.”
The Indians’ trade-deadline acquisition is 10-1 this season with a 1.49 ERA.
Big sendoff
It may have been an overcast night with a chilly mist, but some stars still came out at Fenway.
In the second night of the Red Sox’ Ortiz celebration, representatives of the Patriots, Bruins and Celtics were on hand for a pregame ceremony. Former Pats Ty Law, Andre Tippett, Joe Andruzzi and Matt Chatham came out first, followed by Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque and a pack of Bruins and then Brad Stevens flanked by his 2016 Celtics.
“Ice bucket challenge” innovator Pete Frates was also honored, along with three survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings. . . .
Mookie Betts went 2-for4 with a double in last night’s loss. It was his 67th multi-hit game this season, tops in the majors.