Yes, I went there. Now, I'm not bashing Ortiz here. Ok, well, I guess I am. But in doing so, I'm going to try to objectively come up with an opinion as to whether or not David Ortiz is done at the ripe old age of 33.
So let's look at the different factors. First, steroid use. Now, Ortiz has been vocal in his opposition to steroid use. He's on record as saying the penalty for first time offenders should be the entire season, rather than just 50 games. He's also stated his willingness to take a blood test to prove he's clean. However, Rafael Palmeiro was just as vociferous in his denials. And what better way to deny usage that to come right out and say, "Here, strap me to a lie-detector, I've got nothing to hide!" He knows damn well no one is going to call him on it. Certain other factors play into steroid concerns - playing with Manny Ramirez for one, since we know Manny's a user. And there's the fact that Ortiz is from the Dominican Republic, where steroids are basically sold over the counter next to the Snickers Bars.
"Uh, large box o' condoms, a bottle of old hopper, some steroids, five O'Henry bars and a disposable enema. Ahh, make it two." "Will that be all Mr. Ortiz?"
Ok, so steroid use is a possibilty, but really, there's no hard core proof. Besides, everyone in baseball is a potential user these days. Let's look at some more plausible factors. First of all, Ortiz is allegedly 33. That's actually pretty middle-aged for a big guy - more on that later. But is he really 33? Again, Ortiz is from the DR and there have been tons of non-US born ballplayers that have lied about their age. Miguel Tejada, Rafael Furcal, Ramon Ortiz, Orlando and Livan Hernandez, just to name a few, have all myseriously gotten 2-3 years older. It's very possibly Ortiz may be closer to 36 or 37 than 33. And that would be significant in relation to his rapidly deteriorating skill set. And I'm telling you, this new Hi-Def TV that baseball airs on really shows off the players flaws and age. Players that look young seem much older in hi-def.
David Ortiz in Hi-Def
Ok, enough speculation. Let's look at the two most realistic factors that show why David Ortiz is done. First, the Manny Factor. Ortiz is a .240 hitter since Manny left. Of course, he also suffered a torn sheaf tendon in his wrist at around the same time, so that is also a factor. But bottom line, a guy like Manny makes all the hitters around him better - just ask Andre Ethier.
Admit it David, you miss me! you really miss me!
Now, lastly, let's look at this factor. David Ortiz is a BIG man. He stands at around 6'4 and weighs in at at least 250 lbs. Probably more. His age is listed at around 33, but again that could be much higher. Even if you give him the benefit of the doubt, it's a fact that big men in baseball lose it quickly. Like, all at once. Greg Luzinski at the age of 32 hit 32 HR and 95 RBIs. At 33? 13 HR and 58 RBIs. Then he was done. Retired by 34. Fat Cecil Fielder? At 32 he jacked 39 HR and 117 RBI. At 33? 17 HR and 68 RBI. Cecil lingered 1 more season, probably because it took him two years to fully retire a body that size. His last season at age 34? 17 HR and 68 RBIs. Same as age 33, but his BA dropped to .223 from .260. Then he was done. Mo Vaughn? Oh Mo. At age 34, 26 HR and 72 RBI. At age 35? Dead. Ok not dead, but 3 HR and 15 RBI. And finally, the Babe. Babe Ruth. Greatest ballplayer ever. Survived syphillis and hot dogs to play until the rip old age of 39. Last year with the Yanks, age 39, he ripped 22 HR and 84 RBI and batted .288. At age 40? Hit .181 with 6 HR for the Braves, before he walked away from the game early on in that season. Finally, look at Roy Hobbs. Age 35, comes out of nowhere to take the RF job away from former all-star Bump Bailey (ok Bailey died, but the Knights had other options at RF) to hit 34 HR and 99 RBIs in just 73 games. In 265 ABs, he had 101 hits, 24 2Bs, 5 3Bs and batted .381 while slugging a Bondsian .894. If not for the 'Memo' slump he'd have hit .400 for sure. Now, while I think he was probably on HGH, the fact remains that PEDs or not, Hobbs was out of the game by age 36.
He was over-rated.
And Big Papi? Ortiz at the age of 32 hit 23 HR and 89 RBIs, batting .264 in an injury plagued 2008. In 2009? Papi is hitting .187 with 1 HR and 20 ribbies. Clearly the signs point to Ortiz probably being benched at some time soon - probably before the All-star break and then that's it. He'll hang 'em up. So if you'd a Red Sox fan, or a fantasy baseball player hanging on to the hope of a miraculous Ortiz comeback - it's just not happening. Just remember David...not getting hastled, not getting hustled.Keepin' your head above water,Making a wave when you can.
