Bloody Red Sox Blog: Big Papi Said All the Right Things in His Final “State of the Red Sox in Spring Training” Address.

Posted By on February 24, 2016

David Ortiz was both reflective and candid in his annual “State of the Red Sox Spring Training” address yesterday. He acknowledged that he is at peace with his decision to retire at the end of the season and that he wants to make this a special season. He also talked about how he and David Price are on the same page and that they both want to win a championship.

I thought it was funny that Ortiz mentioned that he likes the composition of this Red Sox team and he referenced the fact that he is surrounded by a bunch of “twenty” year olds. The Red Sox are young at certain positions, but they are not that young. This is a veteran team for the most part.

Both Ortiz and his teammates are saying the right things but they’ll need to prove it on the field. It will take time for this team to gel and come together. If it does, the Red Sox have the look of a playoff team. It won’t be easy because the A.L East is loaded once again but the Red Sox do have the pieces in place to make a championship run if they stay healthy.

I will say this, it was weird listening to Ortiz talk about retirement and not wanting to be a distraction. Its hard to believe he’s retiring. Whether you like him or not, the man is an institution in Boston. He will be sorely missed next season. The Red Sox won’t just miss his bat, they’ll miss his leadership as well. Ortiz is a great clubhouse guy despite the fact that he comes off selfish sometimes.

Sadly, this was the last “State of the Red Sox Spring Training” speech we’ll ever hear from Ortiz. Unless of course he gives one when he comes back as a roving instructor next spring.