FORT MYERS, Fla.For David Ortiz, timing is everything.
Asked what he works on in spring training, Ortiz replied:
"Timing, timing. Timing, timing. That's what hitting's all about -- timing."
It paid off Monday night, as Ortiz, playing first base again, went 2-for-3, and the Red Sox beat the Twins, 10-2, at Hammond County Stadium. After striking out looking to end the first inning, Ortiz led off the third with a home run to right, his first of the spring, then added an opposite-field double in the fifth that just missed being a home run.
In spring training, to be honest with you, I focus more on my mechanics, Ortiz said. The reason we have spring training, especially for a guy like me, is to get prepared for the season. I try to put some good swings out there when I'm playing, but what I really want to do is make sure my timing is good -- that my foot is down on time and that I can see pitches and read pitches good and get ready to go for the season.
Manager Bobby Valentine was pleased with what he saw from Ortiz at the plate and in the field.
I loved him, Valentine said. He swung the bat extremely well. Swung at the first pitch. He was right on both times, fouled them off, made the adjustment, hit the ball hard. Caught a pop-up, stretched and made the play for the third out at first base. Has energy, bouncing around nicely.
He thinks he needs to gain a little weight because that ball didnt go out to left field but well keep that thought out of his mind.
Before the game Valentine said he didnt think Ortiz would need too much more time at first base before he is ready. But, Ortiz said he would like to play more.
I've already told Bobby that I want to do what I did last (spring) -- play more, Ortiz said. I don't mind him sending me on the road, so I can get some playing time because last year, it helped me out a lot."