McCluskey: Can anyone replace David Ortiz as a true star DH?

From Jack McCluskey at The Ringer on August 2, 2016, with mention of SABR President Vince Gennaro:

David Ortiz is going to retire. Maybe you’ve heard. The Red Sox legend — one of the great postseason performers of all time — is enjoying a late-career renaissance, batting .316 with 25 home runs and 85 RBI in his age-40 season. He’s led Boston to a 58–46 record and the thick of the American League East race, and he plans to step away from the game this fall, vacating the spot that he’s laid claim to in the Red Sox lineup since 2003.

Many people have pleaded with the big man, ahem, the Big Papi, to change his mind and postpone his retirement plans. He insists that he’s done, but that seems almost inconceivable. How could a player who remains at the peak of his powers decide to hang it up? And his imminent departure raises two questions: What will Ortiz do next? And who will follow in his footsteps?

The first question has an unconventional answer, and it involves a baseball bat–size spoon (or a spoon-size bat?) and a chef’s toque.

Read the full article here: https://theringer.com/david-ortiz-retirement-designated-hitter-future-boston-red-sox-e3db3a7a9508#.dqgwoamda



Originally published: August 4, 2016. Last Updated: August 4, 2016.