Chuck HThe Writing's On The Wall But Can He See It?
June 6th 2009 14:14
I've held out long enough on this and I've respected and admired David Ortiz' ability to thrive in the clutch and help lead this Red Sox team to two World Series Championships. The miserable, yet passionate as all hell and loyal-- Boston fan base-- needed a title in the worst way. David Ortiz helped in a huge way and for that he will never be forgotten and never have to pay for a meal at any restaurant in this town as long as he's alive. He's not only been a great player in this town, but he's also been a great guy to root for as a fan. He's loose, funny, yet driven to dominate and be one of the best power/clutch guys in the game.
Those of you that read my piece on Ortiz when I said that I wouldn't accuse him of anything until the evidence was proven in terms of Performance Enhancing Drugs--understand what my views are on that subject. Ortiz has earned the right to not be accused until he's actually proven guilty in that arena--at least in my mind. I am a huge fan of Ortiz' if you can't tell. He's been a joy to watch.
Here's my problem with him, this quote right here: "It's not anything crazy," Ortiz said before last night's game, returning to the lineup and batting sixth after sitting out Thursday's win in Detroit. "I've just got to get it checked out." This quote is in reference to Big Papi's "potential" eyesight problem. Look here, this is the type of stuff you just don't float out to the media when you're struggling like Ortiz has been this year. The other day while holding court with the media he brought up to them all that his eyesight just hasn't been the same and he might need to get it checked out blah... blah.. That is a "no-no". You've been a tough, no nonsense type of player since you've come to Boston and we've all been huge fans of you for that aspect of your personality. Don't go out this way--floating information to the press that you might have a slight vision problem and that you might have to go get it checked out. Just go and get it checked out if you think that's what's bothering you. Save the announcement. I guess there's a slight possibility that Big Papi just felt like messing with the media horde that day and just decided to tell them he might need to go get his eyes checked. Doubtful but maybe. Otherwise, it's allergy season--half of Boston walks around rubbing their "dry eyes" and sniffling lately--maybe you just need some Claritin Big Papi--but don't tell us about it if you do--we don't need to know. Take care of it on your own time. No public excuses, for the best clutch hitter and one of my all time favorite players that I've ever rooted for as a sports fan in this town.
(Thanks to jakerome for the great pic of Ortiz)
Chuck Hanf
Two Cents From Beantown
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Comment by Josh Gans
Either way, go get the eyes checked and see what happens. If you come back wearing glasses and hit .305 with 20 hr's and 75 rbi's by the end of the season, we would understand that your eyes were an issue and you took care of it. We're not giving you the sympathy vote because something might be wrong, we're giving it to you for all you gave to us, no worries.
Comment by Chuck H
Two Cents From Beantown
TCFB
Comment by Adam Pieniazek
Though, I'll agree that if there might be an eyesight issue he should go get it checked out now, not put it on the backburner. I mean, it can't hurt to take an hour or two and get checked out. I'm sure any eye doctor in town would switch up their schedule to accommodate Big Papi.
Get those eyes checked out man!
Comment by Tom Kinslow
Hoop Dreams
Doctor Hoops
I'm hoping this is a situation like Carlos Delgado's last year where he was atrocious for the beginning of the year before turning it around but sadly, I believe we're watching the demise of Big Papi.
However, he did have a pretty good game last night and homered for the second time this season. There's always hope I suppose.