“Thank you, David Ortiz, but your services are no longer be needed. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
If only.
One of the most polarizing figures in Boston Red Sox history, Ortiz could do no wrong through his first five seasons with the Boston Red Sox.
Since then, however, the husky designated hitter has been the subject of growing speculation after a suspicious positive drug test, an increasingly short fuse, disappearances at the plate for months at a time and an overly vocal displeasure about his various contract situations.
For a ballclub looking to re-design itself and get a fresh new look after one of the most catastrophic 13-month stretches in franchise history, these attributes aren’t appealing for someone who is supposed to be a franchise player.
These facts left the Red Sox with a tough decision.
Ortiz wanted a multi-year deal, but the tell-tale signs of a risky, lengthy union were insurmountable. It was like the Red Sox got down one one knee to propose, but continued to push off the actual wedding day because the bride-to-be won’t be able to dance at the wedding because of an Achilles injury.
Next she’s interrupting a meeting between her wedding planner and the flower guy to say they need to have a talk. Meanwhile Boston’s buddies are waving their arms behind the bride’s head saying, “No! No! For the love of God, don’t go through with it!”
Or something like that.
ESPN reports the sides have reached a deal, but there were five huge reasons why Boston would have been better off letting the big guy go.