In a given series I think there will be a batted ball, maybe 2 in a 4 game series, that Ortiz gets to that Andruw may not. But in that series, that’s 12 to 16 plate appearances of Ortiz’ worst-in-league offense. It’s hard to cover up for a black hole like that in the playoffs on a team that is totally bereft of big boppers.
Some of Ortiz’s pathetic swing decisions and chases in this series against the Padres bordered on disrespectful to his team and coaching staff. I am shocked Murph played him after his at-bats the first game of the series.
He is a really good defender. But really, to play every single day on a division leading or plus team, bringing the worst offense in the league, you should pretty much be the best defender at your position in the league. I don’t even think he’s a top 5 defensive short stop.
So happy they have shortstops in the pipeline ti replace him soon, if not next year.