Big Papi says his skipper has done "a great job'' despite team injuries.
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has defended Bobby Valentine, saying the manager should not be to blame for the injury-plagued team's losing record.NEW YORK - The embattled manager of the Red Sox has at least one ally among the players.
David Ortiz has spoken up for Bobby Valentine this weekend, saying Bobby V has done "great,'' as quoted in media.
For as much as Valentine's relationship with his players has been a rollercoaster ride, he seems to have had a solid one with Ortiz. Upon taking the manager's job last winter, Valentine attended Ortiz' charity function in the Dominican Republic at a time the slugger was contemplating whether to leave Boston in free agency.
While the visit was considered friendly and not an overt campaign for Ortiz to stay, Big Papi appreciated the time and effort, which signaled a good start to his relationship with the new manager.
It has not gone nearly so smoothly with other players, but Ortiz cited injuries as a prime reason the Red Sox are 58-62. He also said the likeability factor of a manager with his players is overrated and at times practically moot.
One of the biggest injury losses has been Ortiz, who has been out five weeks with an Achilles strain. The Red Sox are 12-18 in his absence and 5-11 in August, and their run production is down by nearly half a run per game since he went out.