Storyline: I have the Red Sox winning 102 games and the World Series without Big Papi. His return would have increased the win numbers, say by 3-5 games.
Much to the dismay of everyone associated with Red Sox Nation it’s pretty clear that David Ortiz will NOT be coming out of retirement. His Instagram feed is littered with videos of him enjoying vacations on the beach and taking in his son’s basketball games.
Papi is gone–for real. It’s time to move on.
Courtesy: steaknightmagazine.com
Don’t get me wrong. The idea of moving on from David Ortiz is as hard for me as it is the next person. David Ortiz is the one reason I became a Red Sox fan. I can’t remember a time where I was cheering for the Red Sox without #34 in the lineup. So I’m not saying it will be easy to turn the page. I’m just saying it’s essential.
To help turn the page, let’s look at the Red Sox without Big Papi.
First of all, it will be difficult to fill the production hole that Ortiz leaves at DH. It looks like the Sox will fill the DH spot this year by committee. Just as important–perhaps more–is replacing the leadership that Ortiz brought to the team. The good news is that there’s an heir apparent in Dustin Pedroia. Entering his 11th full season with the Red Sox, Pedey leaves it all on the field. He’s a model leader for any team, and he’ll easily take over leadership for the Red Sox.
Let’s also emphasize that there’s plenty of depth in the core of young players on the Red Sox roster. Guys like Xander Bogaerts, Mookie Betts, and Jackie Bradley Jr. give the Sox a solid presence on the field, even know they’re all still so young. These guys are the present and the future of this franchise, and they’ll be ready when called upon.
Courtesy: bleacherreport.com
To make their jobs a bit easier, the roster has stability with veterans, guys like Hanley Ramirez, David Price, Mitch Moreland, and even Pablo Sandoval. After all, Sandoval is a 3-time World Series Champion and a World Series MVP (2012). The big question is whether he still has what it takes to get the job done.
Now that we’ve looked at the Ortiz void and how it will be filled, let’s play a little game of “What it?” What if Ortiz hadn’t made the decision that saddened the Red Sox and their fans? How might his return have affected the Red Sox this season?
I have the Red Sox winning 102 games and the World Series without Big Papi. I think Ortiz’ return would just increase the win percentage. How many games would it mean? I’d say 3-5 games. The Red Sox would still win the World Series. It would just increase the team’s chances.
