Ortiz: Making the Pennant Chase Possible

For all of the Boston Red Sox's high-profile transactions and non-transactions the past two years, none have been as important as the quiet signing of a Minnesota Twins reject.

In a town that once swooned for Nomar Garciaparra, in a clubhouse that in the past was dominated by the petulance of Pedro Martinez and the odd moods of Manny Ramirez, its most intriguing figure gained his equity with his bat, and respect with his actions.

Or perhaps we should let Johnny Damon explain the importance of David Ortiz to the Olde Towne Team.

"He's everything we've wanted,"

Boston's center fielder explains.

Ortiz has turned into a jewel in the two years since the usually astute Twins, in a decision largely driven by finances, did not offer the beefy slugger arbitration. Since his Minnesota career was beset by injuries from the unforgiving Metrodome turf, there was not a fierce bidding war for his services...

By Gabe Lacques
L.A. Daily News
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