The Sommer Frieze

Gordon Estes has an article on Big Papi, David Ortiz, over on ESPN.com.

Good article, for which David Ortiz shows up in 2010? Ortiz is 34, certainly within range of a “bounceback.” For 2009, he only hit .238, but still had 28 HR and 99 RBI. OPS+ 101.

The year before, it was .264-23-89 in 109 games.

OPS+ numbers over the past 3 years? 171-123-101.

Is this a sign of a decline? What is left in the tank?

There was a press conference last year. Was the reason for that press conference the cause of the decline?

Just 34…or is the birth certificate false?

Last season, David Ortiz’ first two months were a nightmare. Going into June 1st, Ortiz had 1 HR, 18 RBI and a BA of .169. Ugh. .169-1-18. After June 1, 27 HR. The BA’s weren’t great, .247 in July and .222 in August.

Much as I wonder about Posada (who turns 39 in August 2010), you have to wonder about Ortiz. Who has the better year? Who is still at or near his norm, and who is “done”?

Does the answer to this question decide the AL East winner?