In a move that will surely ease the offseason anxieties regarding David Ortiz's contract situation, the Red Sox picked up Big Papi's $12.5 million club option for 2011 on Thursday afternoon, some 12 hours before the midnight deadline. It looks to be a win-win for both sides. Although Ortiz has been adamant about wanting a long-term deal with the Sox, he has little to complain about after becoming the American League's highest paid designated hitter for next season. In addition, Big Papi will turn 35 later this month and has struggled mightily in May the past two seasons, battling a bombardment of criticism from baseball pundits and fans alike about his status as one of the game's most feared hitters. However, last season was something of a rebirth for #34. He rebounded to hit .270 with 32 homers and 102 RBI's while also making his sixth All-Star team and winning the 2010 Home Run Derby in Anaheim. Another thing to take into account is the offseason alterations to the Fenway Park dimensions. According to the Boston Globe, the bullpens in right field are to be widened approximately 8 feet, which will draw the right field fence in about 10 feet. This move should definitely aid Big Papi, who could take advantage of the shorter porch and go on to hit 35 homers or more. Especially if he gets off to a hot start, watch out.
Most of all, the Sox bring back a fan favorite who can still contribute on the field, in the clubhouse and in the community. Big Papi has been here since the start and it would be a shame to lose him to free agency had the Sox declined his option. His heroics in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees will go down as the single greatest individual postseason performance of all-time. 2011 may or may not be Ortiz's last season in a Boston uniform but rest assured, Red Sox Nation, Big Papi is back for at least one more run at it.
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