Boston’s Ortiz says he’s done after ’16
Boston designated hitter David Ortiz, the beloved “Big Papi” who helped the franchise end its near-century World Series-title drought and cursed out the bombers who attacked his adopted city, said Wednesday that he will play one more year before retiring.
On the day that he turned 40, Ortiz said in a video posted on the Players’ Tribune that the 2016 season will be his last. The post was titled “40.”
“Life is based on different chapters, and I think I am ready to experience the next one in my life,” he told his fans. “I wish I could play another 40 years, so I could have you guys behind me, but it doesn’t work that way. After this year, time is up. So let’s enjoy the season.”
Ortiz led the Red Sox to three World Series championships, hitting 503 homers in a career of clutch at-bats while serving as the inspiration that turned the franchise into a big-market bully.
Already treasured for his big hits and even bigger personality, Ortiz further cemented himself in the city’s lore after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people and injured hundreds more. Taking the microphone before the club’s first game back, Ortiz told a Fenway crowd that included the governor and top police officials: “This is our (expletive) city. And nobody’s going to dictate our freedom.”
With “Boston Strong” as their rallying cry, the Red Sox returned to the World Series. Ortiz batted .688 in the six-game victory over the Cardinals, and was named the Series MVP. He is one of four players in history with at least 500 career homers and three World Series championships, joining Hall of Famers Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Reggie Jackson.
“It is difficult to adequately convey what David Ortiz has meant to the Boston Red Sox,” team owner John Henry said in a statement. “For those of us who have had the honor of knowing him all these years, he has been exactly what you hope to see in a man who has been the face of this organization.”
Tigers trade for K-Rod: Detroit acquired right-handed closer Francisco Rodriguez in a trade with Milwaukee, sending minorleague infielder Javier Betancourt and a player to be named to the Brewers.
Rodriguez, who turns 34 in January, went 1-3 with a 2.21 ERA for the Brewers in 2015. He had 38 saves in 40 chances. Free agency: Former A’s infielder Cliff Pennington became the first free agent to switch teams this offseason when he and the Angels agreed to a $3.75 million, two-year contract. Pennington will make $1.5 million next year and $2.25 million in 2017. He can earn an additional $750,000 annually in performance bonuses.
Pennington began last season with Arizona and moved to Toronto in a trade in August. The switch-hitting utilityman batted .210 with three homers and 21 RBIs in 105 total games, making multiple starts at five positions. Briefly: Longtime A’s third-base coach Mike Gallego, who was fired by Oakland on Aug. 24, was hired by the Angels to be director of player development. ... Toronto second baseman Devon Travis underwent surgery on his left shoulder and will be sidelined 16 to 20 weeks. ... Washington is bringing back Rick Schu as hitting coach and adding former major leaguers Jacques Jones as an assistant hitting coach and Chris Speier as bench coach or third-base coach under new manager Dusty Baker. Also, right-hander David Carpenter refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Syracuse and elected free agency. ... Outfielder Scott Hairston, who has not played in the majors since 2014, agreed to a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox. ... Major League Baseball’s minimum salary will remain at $507,500 next year because of a lack of inflation.