Major League Baseball

Big Papi's reign in Boston should continue

Published Sep. 7, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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Before Monday’s game at Fenway Park, I asked David Ortiz to offer his best guess as to where he will play in 2011.

“Here,” he replied.

As in, with the Boston Red Sox.

And I think he’s right.

The Red Sox are almost certain to miss the playoffs for only the second time since 2002. A busy off-season lies ahead. But with Ortiz, who turns 35 in November, they have the opportunity to settle a key position early in the winter.

Exercising Ortiz’s $12.5 million option has become a much more appealing alternative than anyone could have imagined while Big Papi flailed at sliders in April.

Teammate Kevin Youkilis said Monday that he expects Ortiz to return, adding “He’s doing well. It’s an option the team has. I don’t think they’re going to turn that one down.”

Ortiz has a .905 OPS at designated hitter -- the highest at the position this year among those with at least 300 at-bats. He could finish with more than 30 home runs for the first time since 2007.

At the very least, Ortiz is certain that he will be a major leaguer next season.

“Believe me,” he said, “I’ll be somewhere next year.”

For obvious reasons, Ortiz would rather the Red Sox give him a multiyear extension than pick up the one-year option. He said that the team is aware of his preference.

But what leverage does he have to make that request? The free-agent market hasn’t produced many multiyear deals for 35-year-old designated hitters in recent winters.

When asked if he expects the team to simply pick up the option, Ortiz said, “No idea. I haven’t talked with them about it.”

Either way, I would be surprised if this proves to be Big Papi’s final month at Fenway.
 

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