David Ortiz was a welcome sight at the Boston Red Sox’s spring training camp Tuesday in Fort Myers, Florida, as the last member of the team to report.
The 19-year major league veteran emerged from his physical and took some swings in the batting cage with new teammates Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval and television cameras following him closely.
The Red Sox’s first full-squad workouts are scheduled for Wednesday.
“The way he plays the game and how much love he has for the game, everyone respects him,” said Ramirez, who signed as a free agent during the offseason and will play left field. “What can I say about Papi? You know what he does on the field, off the field, so many good things he does. We love Papi. He’s the man.”
Manager John Farrell also was glad to see the 39-year-old Ortiz, who is beginning his 13th season with the Red Sox.
“I think anytime David walks through the room it lightens it up,” Farrell said. “It brings an energy. He looks in great shape. Had a chance to talk with him earlier when he first got in here this morning. He’s full-go and a major part of everything we do.”
Ortiz is signed through the 2015 season, and the Red Sox hold options on him for 2016 and 2017.
“I think David knows he’s going to be a Red Sox for as long as he wants to be a Red Sox,” general manager Ben Cherington said. “There’s been no discussion on it recently. Honestly, we’re just happy that he’s here and a huge part of what we’re doing still on the field. Given his stature and his personality, I know he means a lot to people off the field, too.
“He’s part of the Red Sox legacy. He’s part of the Boston pro sports legacy. But he’s also our DH and he hits in the middle of our lineup, so that’s what we’re focused on. We’re happy to keep him there as long as he can keep doing it,” he added.
Ortiz continues to be an effective hitter and has showed few signs of slowing down despite his age. Last year, he batted .263 with 35 home runs and 104 RBIs.
“Best DH in the game,” Farrell said. “A guy that sacrifices and puts in the work necessary to be an elite performer; don’t anticipate that changing this year. He gets on another year here with the Red Sox and in his major league career.”
“The work he puts in leading into a season or during a season, the work he does video-wise, he does everything he’s capable of to maintain the performance and he marches on,” he added.
Ortiz will speak with the media on Wednesday but couldn’t resist a quip about Sandoval’s weight. Sandoval joined the Red Sox during the offseason as a free agent from the San Francisco Giants and appears to have put on some pounds.
“My belly hasn’t grown like Panda,” Ortiz said.