(Photo: Boston Herald)
The only time David Ortiz has to play first base in during inter-league play so he doesn't sit too long. Bobby Valentine is switching everything up so he might as well give Ortiz the work at first right out of the gate.
When the Sox play their first exhibition games of the spring Saturday, Ortiz will be the first baseman in the nightcap of a college doubleheader.
Asked if he could recall the last time he played first in an exhibition game, Ortiz shook his head.
"I am?'' asked a surprised Oritz when questioned about playing first this early. "Oh, [expletive]. We're starting on the wrong foot. Just wish me luck.''
"I don't remember,'' he said.
Manager Bobby Valentine said having Ortiz at first so early was more out of early-spring necessity.
"He's one of the first basemen,'' shrugged Valentine. "And talking with Adrian [Gonzalez] and David, too, David doesn't mind playing a lot and Adrian wants to work his way into playing a lot. So I suspect [Ortiz] will get innings.
I honestly don't really care much that he is getting work at first tomorrow. It's a meaning-less game and he is getting practice in the field. We'll have plenty of time to devise solutions for the Ortiz/Gonzalez situations when the Sox go on the road for inter-league play.
Original Story:
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March 01, 2012
