Felger & Mazz: David Ortiz On Pace For Another 30 HR 100 RBI Season
BOSTON (CBS) - The television ratings indicate you haven't been watching because of the team's poor record, but Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz is having himself one heck of a season.
The 38-year-old slugger belted his 30th home run of the season Wednesday night and needs just seven runs batted in to reach the 100 RBI mark on the season, which would be the eighth time he's accomplished that feat in a Red Sox uniform. He's currently tied with Ted Williams (7 times) in Red Sox history in that category.
Factor in the idea that he's playing on an abysmal team (56-71, 18 GB from the division lead) with little to no protection in the lineup (Ortiz has more than double the RBI as the second best Red Sox -- Napoli, Pedroia 45 apiece), and you realize what he's doing at the plate is truly special.
"It's amazing," said Mike Felger Thursday afternoon.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Ortiz could become the first player since 1935 (Wally Berger) to lead the league in RBI on a team with the fewest amount of runs scored.
"When you say what he's doing is 'historic' and 'amazing', it really is," added Marc Bertrand.
Media members and a healthy portion of Red Sox fans alike all griped in the offseason when Ortiz wanted another contract extension, following a season in which he was finally granted that request. The Red Sox caved to his wishes, much to the dismay of Tony Massarotti, and once again Ortiz went on to prove "the haters" wrong en route to another productive season.
Now the question becomes, if you're the Red Sox, do you extend him again this offseason? He's under contract for $16 million in 2015, with options for 2016-17. Should you pick up those options?
Marc Bertrand is inclined to say yes, and he cites the fact that David Ortiz has never played -- not even for one season -- under a bad contract.
Should the Red Sox pick up David Ortiz's option at season's end? Listen below for the full discussion:
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