The Red Sox held a press conference on Monday to discuss their new two-year, 26 million deal with David Ortiz. Ben Cherington and Ortiz took questions from reporters on everything from Ortiz's health to why he deserved a second year on his contract when the Red Sox have been reluctant to give him a two-year deal in years past.
"We felt like the right thing to do was to get to a second year," Cherington said. "I think there's a benefit to trying to build something and we want David to be a part of it. We don't need to have that conversation at the end of next year."
Ortiz, 36, said he was feeling good health-wise and that the Achilles injury that plagued him at the end of last season is progressing. When asked about the expectations people should have for a designated hitter in his late thirties, Ortiz proudly explained that his passion for the game and work ethic would continue to make him a productive player.
"That's one thing I'm gonna make clear right here," Ortiz said. "I get prepared to play. I like to see the pain on the opposition. I like to win. iIm the kind of guy, the season is never over for me. I'm still working putting myself together right now while everyone is on vacation. I love winning. I love performing well. Sometimes things don't work out the way you expect, but . . . the harder you work the payoff is going to come at some point."
More to come . . .