Player Previews: David Ortiz

Papi needs a big rebound year.

Today we will look at David Ortiz. Serving as the full time DH once again in 2010, hopefully he can provide a good source of power out of the five hole. Well will focus on his 2009 statistics, his career highs in parentheses, and a 2010 outlook.

Games: 150 (159 - 2005)
Average: .238 (.332 - 2007, career average of .282)
On-Base Percentage: .332 (.445 - 2007, career average of .377)
Slugging Percentage: .462 (.636 - 2006, career average of .545)
On Base plus Slugging: .794 (1.066 - 2007, career average of .922)
Home runs: 28 (54 - 2006)
Runs Batted In: 99 (148 - 2005)
Runs: 77 (119 - 2005)
Doubles: 35 (52 - 2007)
Walks: 74 (119 - 2006)
UZR/150* at 1B: -41.2 (in 6 games)

*UZR/150 is a sabermetric number of runs above or below average a fielder is, per 150 defensive games. Zero is an average fielder.


2010 Outlook: David Ortiz has not been the same hitter since his wrist injury in 2008. Last season was a tail of two halves for the slugger as he started out terribly but used the second half to salvage his season.

2009 First Half: .222/.317/.416, 12 HR
2009 Second Half: .258/.350/.516, 16 HR

What can we expect from Big Papi in 2010? Well, he will most likely slide into the order behind Victor Martinez and Kevin Youkilis. The Sox are relying on him to crank 30 homers and hit around the .260 or .270 clip. If Papi can regain his dominant form of old, the team could be very potent all season long. However, at the present, this line-up appears to be lacking offensive firepower, so his presence is crucial to the team's success. He spent much of the off-season training at Fenway Park, so hopefully his hard work has paid off..

Next up: J.D. Drew

Previous previews:
Kevin Youkilis
Dusin Pedroia
Jacoby Ellsbury
Marco Scutaro
Victor Martinez