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Replacing Ortiz at DH a tall order for Red Sox
- Updated: October 11, 2016
BOSTON — There is no doubt that David Ortiz’s retirement leaves an enormous void in the Red Sox’s clubhouse. But for the first time in 14 years, his absence also leaves a looming question mark in Boston’s formidable lineup.
Big Papi slashed .286/.380/.552 over a long, illustrious career as the designated hitter for the Red Sox. As a 40-year-old, the slugger belted 38 home runs with 127 RBIs during his final season, leading the Major Leagues with 48 doubles. Red Sox manager John Farrell said he doesn’t believe a hitter with the potential to replicate Ortiz’s power exists.
“I don’t know that you ever replace David Ortiz,” Farrell said. “I don’t know that that’s possible, given how dynamic of a person he is, what he means to this city, what he means to our organization. So setting those components aside — when you’re looking at the number of years he’s been here, the success he’s had, the outreach he’s had to so many …
